By: Katy Defazio
It’s the holiday season! Families are expanding, loved ones are caring, and gifts are giving. Are you considering adopting a pet for your family this holiday season? If so, there are a lot of things you should consider before you bring in your new furry (or not-so-furry) companion.
Pets should be considered more than just a companion; they are beloved family members. Cat and dogs alike take time, patience, love, and most importantly, money. If you feel as if you are not in the best financial situation in your life, it is probably not the best time to adopt a new pet. Secondly, pets take time to properly train for your new home, as well as specific routines for exercise, feeding, and playtime. Dedication to setting these routines is important for a happy, healthy pet. Setting specific feeding times and play times with your pet allows them to live happier; you will notice positive reactions from your pet directly. Animals with anxiety need that extra step of security in their lives, and developing routines will help give them some peace of mind. This lowers the risk of boredom for your pet because they won’t be hunting for ways to burn off their energy. Overall, cats and dogs function differently than humans do, and require that extra step of attention for a happy life.
Has your family recently lost a pet or furry companion? Another point to consider when adopting a pet this holiday season is that you shouldn’t rush to replace that void in your heart. My husband and I lost our cat over the summer, and we told ourselves that we would not rush to get another pet. When the timing feels right to bring on another pet, your heart and mind will tell you. Healing takes time, and filling that void too soon isn’t the best solution. Take time to grieve and reflect on the memories with your previous pet. It is acceptable to take trips to local shelters and rescues to play with other animals to help reflect on the good times you had with your pet. Be patient with yourself and your family when picking out your new furry friend. It took two months for my husband and I to pick out our next pet, and we are grateful that we took the time and patience to pick out the right one.
Have you confirmed that you and your family are ready to adopt a pet this holiday season? There are several local shelters and rescues in Western New York that you can adopt from! I adopted my most recent cat from the Ten Lives Club at the Eastern Hills Mall. Other good cat rescues and shelters include Kitten Around Cat Rescue, Precious Paws Rescue, and A Furever Chance. If you are specifically seeking a dog, a few good local rescues include Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue, Awesome Paws Rescue, and Furever Friends Dog Rescue of WNY. These are all locally owned and operated rescues in the Greater Buffalo area and should be considered this holiday season.