Pets: A Joy and a Responsibility

Consider carefully before buying a pet. An animal is not just another object –he is a living, breathing, thinking creature with needs, wants and feelings all his own. Too often people look onpets as plainly a fun purchase –another thing to brighten up their days with no cost involved. Instead of being looked on as objects, animals that are adopted as pets into our homes should be considered a privilege and an important responsibility. Just because you think having a pet would be fun or comforting doesn’t mean you’re ready to adopt one.

Buying a pet means taking on the responsibility to feed, train, love and care for that animal to your utmost ability. Any responsibility means the giving up of certain freedoms or taking on certain costs. In the case of an animal, one thing you’ll need to sacrifice is your ability to come and go as you please. A pet needs to be fed regularly, be walked, have the litter cleaned, get routine medications and be taken to the vet if he gets sick or just needs a checkup. You can’t just go away for the weekend without considering how best to make accomodations for your pet. A pet also involves considerable expenses. You’ll need to buy him food, basic care products and pet meds. For example, if you get a cat or dog, you’ll need to get him a pet flea medicine like Frontline Plus at the very least. If you get a dog, he’ll also need a heartworm medication, like this one. Going to the vet can be very costly, and you can’t just decide not to go because you can’t afford it.

Knowing that a pet is an important responsibility, again I ask you to consider carefully before buying an animal. At the same time, I decidedly encourage you to get a pet if you’re willing to take on these responsibilities. A pet can be a real joy in a home. They are often good companions, loyal friends, careful caretakers and also plain adorable. Just be aware that a pet is a living creature just like you.

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