ADOPT AN ANIMAL

CONSDERING A FURRY FRIEND?

Are you considering buying a new addition to the family?

Maybe a cute little puppy or a cute kitty with adorable tiny paws?

Marilyn Sheridan asks us to consider adopting a pre-owned pet, as after all, they need love too!

Have you ever considered getting a Visit any shelter and take your pick, there are large, small, dog or a cat to be part of your family? young, old, female or male – but you can guarantee Before you rush out to a breeder to get that they all arrived stressed and confused and the staff an adorable new puppy or kitten, maybe involved in their welfare would love your help in providing you might consider a ‘pre-owned’ pet food or money to pay for the vet to help heal wounds or – there are plenty out there that need sterilize, or just to volunteer to help out and show the a new home, and in fact there are so animals some love – but the greatest gift you could give many waifs and strays needing homes that the charities would be a new home. and shelters supporting them are really overwhelmed. I personally have only ever had previously unwanted once, and get to know the animal you have selected. animals as pets, and each and every one has turned out to In the case of a dog, take him or her for a walk away from be a stable and much loved addition to the family. the clamour of the shelter as they will often behave in a What can happen is that a kitten or a puppy is purchased totally different manner away from their kennel-mates. or acquired and despite being cute and cuddly, they need The shelter may have some background information to a lot of training and attention. Soon their owners become share – perhaps the animal doesn’t like children, or doesn’t not so enamored for whatever reason, and the animal is like other animals, or has special needs to be considered. abandoned. The shelter wants nothing more than to see the animal reThe reasons dogs in particular need rehoming are homed successfully, and although they would gladly take varied – the new pet could be too much like hard work, him or her back if it doesn’t work out, a little research first the new owner didn’t figure in the costs involved or the would prevent this hapenning. Nothing is more rewarding temperament of the animal didn’t suit the dynamics of the than to see your new pet happy, relaxed and loving every family. minute of their new life.

The advantages of picking a pet from a shelter is that they are often already house-trained and are probably past the destructive puppy or kitten stage. An older animal is usually calmer and just wants a loving home, a warm bed and someone who will take care of them. Once the decision is made, visit the shelter more than If you are interested in sharing your love with a furry friend, consider visiting the following shelters: Goldra dog santuary - thegoldradogsanctuary.com ARA - facebook.com/animalrescuealgarve Canil de São Francisco de Assis, Loulé - canilsfa.pt