How much is the doggy in the window? Adopt, don’t shop!

As a rescue myself, my blood boils when I see a misguided pet lover buying a cat, dog or even bird, from a pet shop or a breeder. When there are so many homeless, abused and abandoned animals suffering on the streets, why not give them a loving home instead of buying them from ruthless and unscrupulous back street breeders who breed them for profit and then abandon the parents when they outlive their usefulness?

I don’t remember what my life was like when I was rescued at four weeks old (covered in mange!) from a busy street, but I am sure it couldn’t have been better than with the loving family I was brought into. Not a day goes by when I don’t count my blessings for the food, shelter and love that I have received in abundance since the day I was adopted.

In return, I have given all my love and gratitude to my adoptive family. I try my best to bring as much joy into their lives as possible and will shield and protect them with my life. But of course, I let my mom believe that she is shielding and protecting me because it makes her feel better about herself!

I am aware of the compromises my mom has made for me - she cut down on her traveling drastically rather than leave me in a kennel. She doesn’t leave me home alone for hours on end - she believes (and I do too!) one shouldn’t get a pet if one can’t spend enough time with their pet. She herself never got a pet until she knew she could take on the whole responsibility herself. And she’s very particular about my food (home cooked and not out of a packet), supplements, vaccinations and vet visits, walks and baths. There’s nothing better than a hands-on pet parent.

I try my level best not to make a mess in the house (my days of chewing furniture are long gone!); I use designated areas to do my business; I don’t fuss about the wonderful meals my mom cooks for me; I stay off the furniture because I have my own seating arrangement; and I only bark my head off when I suspect there’s a serial killer approaching our home - which includes delivery guys, couriers, salesmen, plumbers, electricians, etc. You get my drift…

So, when you feel you’re ready to take on the responsibility of becoming a pet parent, and not before - adopt, don’t shop.