The Humane Society of Utah is asking people to make room in their hearts and homes for a dog or cat. The facility is filled to capacity and is seeking responsible pet owners to adopt and nurture any of the hundreds of cats, dogs, rabbits and rodents that need homes. The organization is encouraging adoptions now so that animals can have an opportunity to bond with their respective families before the holidays go into full swing.
Surely, life with a pet can enrich the human experience. There is tremendous therapeutic benefit from interacting with animals, as evidenced by hospitals and care facilities that encourage visits by four-footed friends.
But people who consider adopting an animal must enter the compact with their eyes wide open. Many pets become members of the family and provide years of companionship. But they also require — and deserve — proper care, attention and training. This is true whether pets are adopted from shelters or are purchased from pet stores or breeders.
Fortunately, responsible shelters, breeders and sellers put prospective owners through the paces before they contemplate bringing an animal home. But some people are motivated by the wrong influences — such as the motion picture du jour, television commercial or season of the year, all of which make it appear fashionable to own a particular breed of dog or cat.
While these adoptions or purchases may be well-intended, many have disastrous outcomes. Kittens, puppies and chicks quickly become adult animals, which may not have the same appeal as the babies. But if a family makes a commitment to them, they either should live up to it or see to it that the animals end up in loving homes.
Part of being a responsible pet owner is neutering or spaying pets. This should be obvious. As the overflowing Utah Humane Society shelter attests, there already are too many homeless dogs and cats in this community.
Those who can adopt and continue to give of themselves to their pets should, by all means, do so. But people who have doubts should do some intense soul searching before they add an animal to their households. Pet ownership can be very fulfilling, but it is a responsibility that must not be taken lightly.