Pets fall victim to the irresponsible

A story in today’s Frontiersman uses the reprehensible term “throwaway pet.” Unfortunately, it is far too often as accurate as it is repugnant.

Alaskans love their pets. We have more dogs per capita than any other state. Unfortunately, having more pets doesn’t mean we treat them better.

In her recently published book, “Forever Home: Adopted Dogs and the Humans Who Love Them,” local author Linda Henning profiles 19 successful adoptions of so-called throwaway dogs. There are many stories yet to be told. It’s unfortunate that many other stories don’t have happy endings. More than 1,300 cast-offs have been euthanized so far this year at the Mat-Su Borough animal shelter. As sobering as that number is, those 1,300 may be the lucky ones compared to the throwaway pets who starved to death, were hit in the road and left to die a lingering death in a ditch or died from abuse and neglect.

It is important to realize that we don’t have a pet problem here. We have a people problem.

Being a responsible pet owner means only taking into your homes pets you can afford to feed and properly care for, including vaccinations and vet care when needed. As has been said, there’s no such thing as a free puppy/kitten.

There can be other aggravations of pet ownership. When Fido chews up the controller on the Wii system or Puff snags your new dress, even “loved” pets can suddenly be throwaways. Taking in a pet is taking on a responsibility not unlike a commitment to a child — love him or her unconditionally.

During the holiday season, pets become popular gifts. Think twice. Here are some guidelines:

1. Are you ready to commit yourself to this pet for up to 20 years? Some breeds of dogs and cats can live that long. A bird, turtle and some other pets may live even longer.

2. Is your household ready for a pet? Do you have space? If you are planning on moving or starting a family, remember the pet needs to be part of your new situation.

3. Can you afford a pet? The money you pay up front is nothing compared to the cost of caring for a pet throughout its lifetime. If you have to choose between putting food on the table and getting Spot her shots, now isn’t the time. And the first thing for which you must put money aside is to have your pet spayed or neutered at a young age. Many of our throwaway pets start as unexpected litters.

4. Are you ready for a grown-up animal? Few people can resist a puppy, kitten or baby bunny, but that pet isn’t going to be a baby for long. Do you want a dog or a cat? If you don’t, then don’t get a puppy or a kitten.

5. Did you do your research? There are plenty of resources to help you decide what kind of dog will best suit you and your lifestyle. Find a pet that is likely to mesh into your life.

Nothing could be sweeter than a kitten wearing a bow under the holiday tree, but make sure caring for one is the right decision at the right time. An IOU for a pet might be a better option than a pet introduced during the stressful holiday season.

If you are looking for a pet, please give the shelter and rescue pets a chance. Visit the Mat-Su Borough Animal Care and Regulation shelter or contact a rescue group. You will find most of those listed at www.Adoptafriend.net. Let’s all do our part to strike the term “throwaway pet” from our lexicon.