by Cher'Ley Grogg

Created on: April 10, 2010   Last Updated: April 11, 2010

Breeders or dog owners: Who is more responsible for the excess of abandoned or sheltered dogs?

Before getting a pet, think about the responsibility.

Dog owners are more responsible than breeders are for the excess of abandoned or sheltered dogs. People often become pet owners without being prepared to provide the needed care.

Cute little kittens and sweet faced puppies pull at the heartstrings of adults and children. We love to snuggle baby animals and laugh at their antics, but what happens when that puppy pees all over your new carpet or that kitten keeps you awake all night mewing?

Across America today there are conversations like this happening by the hour.

"But Mommy or but Daddy, I'll take care of him, I promise."

Fast-forward two weeks.

"Did you feed the pup? The pup needs to go outside. Where's my other shoe? Who's going to clean up that mess?"

Here's a familiar scenario:

You've had a long day at work and you're tired. The evening is already planned. A quick shower, a quick supper and off to your child's soccer game. After the game, it'll be a mad rush home to do homework, laundry and get the kids bathed and in bed. Your husband or wife is meeting you at the game.

Your plans have been interrupted. Here's what happened: 

You've had a long day at work and you're tired, ready to put the previous scenario into action. You open the door and sniff—instantly you're sorry you inhaled so deeply. The kids are in the living room playing a video game. You ask, "Who's cleaning this mess? Who's taking the pup for a walk?"

Your son says, "Not me, I did it this morning."

You daughter says, "Not me, I'm late. Suzie's mom's picking me up. I'll meet you at the game."

After a brief discussion with your children about their responsibility, you clean up the mess and force one of the children to take the pup for a walk. By the time you get home that evening, all you want to do is fall into bed. You open the door and sniff—your nose twitches with the disgusting odor. There's stuffing from the sofa pillows all over the living room. One of your shoes is in the middle of the floor with a big hole in it. The puppy is nipping at your ankles.

This scene repeats day in and day out, until the family can't take it anymore and it ends up like this video called "Spread the Word.

An option to getting a new puppy or kitten is to adopt from your local humane society or get a free pre-trained adult pet.

If you still must have a baby animal make sure you are prepared to be the one who will be responsible for the care of the new pet. Provide a safe area for your fur baby to play, eat and relieve itself during the time you are away from it. In some areas  pet walkers/sitters or puppy day cares, to assist the new owner.

Source:

Uchiha Sasukekun, *"Spread the Word, youtube" (accessed 4-10-2010)

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