I’ve always been a big fan of animals and have had pets most of my life. When I was little there was the standard string of carnival goldfish, a parakeet, a gecko (that phase didn’t last too long), hamsters, in addition to Snickers the cat (that ended up living for 20 years!) and Comet, my Golden Retriever. As I grew up and eventually moved away from home for college and then later to start my career, I knew that I would always have pets.
My first pet once moving out on my own in college was Oliver. Once I moved off campus to a “real” apartment during grad school, I decided to take the plunge and get a cat. The Milwaukee Humane Society is AWESOME and Oliver was actually free, due to a program they have to encourage people to adopt older cats (he was a year and a half when I got him).
After moving to Minnesota, I decided that Oliver needed a friend, since he was now separated from my former roommate’s cat. Clearly this meant I needed to get another pet. Since I was living in an apartment at the time, I figured it wasn’t the best time for a dog, so another cat was what I went with. When I adopted Toby from a local rescue organization, I wasn’t actually actively looking for another cat – I had just stopped at PetSmart to get some stuff for Ollie. However, there was an adoption day going on and next thing I knew I was headed home with a new addition.
Most people know about my dog Scout. He’s adorable and made the rounds at parades and some events this summer as one of the founding Mutts for MAK. We’re not entirely sure what type of dog he is – but is definitely part Schanuzer. I ended up getting him shortly after my house got broken into. I had been thinking and planning on getting a dog once I got settled into my house – and more importantly fenced in my yard. However, fate had another plan. My neighbors, Erin and Tony, were fostering Scout and I just felt like this was the dog that was meant for me. I had to kind of make a quick decision, but I don’t regret it at all. Plus Erin and Tony (and their pups) like having Scout around! He’s been a great addition to my life – both for the loud barks that hopefully will scare away any future thieves, as well as providing a different kind of balance and responsibility in my life then the cats. Plus, how can you say no to this adorable face?
I’m going to end this post with a pitch. Too many animals are put down each day because of irresponsible breeding – including at puppy mills. If you’re looking to add a new canine or feline member to your family, consider adoption from your local humane society or a rescue organization.
Here are some resources:
http://www.petfinder.com/index.html
http://www.animalhumanesociety.org/
http://www.wihumane.org/default.aspx
Awwwww… we love Scout too : ) Oliver and Toby too : )
Yes – adopt! Something like 25% of shelter dogs are purebreds. And mixed breed dogs don’t have the same chances for hereditary diseases that purebreds often are vulnerable to, like hip dysplasia (as our purebred Gordon Setter suffers from.) All to say… skip the breeder and adopt a homeless pet.