RESPONSIBILITY

So what's the story?

We (you & I) are dog and cat lovers. Dogs and cats are domesticated animals. They live with us. They are not wild animals, and they are not to run free, unattended & uncared for, in the wild. They need and require our care.

Therefore it is the deep and profound responsibility, of you and me, to well care for a dog and/or a cat when we choose to bring this pet into our home.

We provide the care, housing, food & feeding, environmental enrichment, companionship, and love and affection. It is our inherent responsibility to do so. To do any less is not acceptable.

Well, this makes common sense to you and to me. And yet, our nation has problems in this regard. Many pets are not well cared for (and not necessarily for lack of money). Many are not spayed or neutered.  Many have no homes. Many shelters are full, and the rescue organizations are working overtime. And some 70 million feral cats roam across America.

What can you and I do?

• select the right pet for our family
• plan the proper home & environment 
• know the local leash laws & licensing procedures
• control our pet for sake of health & safety
• have our pet neutered
• keep our pet on our own property:
  • dogs who leave our property can chase deer or other wildlife, harass neighbors, or become a nuisance
  • cats who leave our property can kill birds, reptiles, amphibians, or other wildlife, damage our neighbor’s property, or become a nuisance
• provide sufficient companionship & human interaction
• make certain that food/feeding is appropriate, and fresh, clean water is always available
• do not keep more animals than we can properly care for
• keep our pet healthy by providing preventive health care, vaccinations, & medical care as needed
• consider our financial ability as we plan to acquire a pet and/or to add a pet
• give thought to purchasing pet insurance
• share in dealing with animal problems in the community
• biting dogs are hazardous – train our pets to be obedient
• consider to help shelter/humane organizations in our town
• consider to help a rescue organization in some way – maybe be a foster home on occasion
• owning a pet is a privilege, not a right  - repeat - owning a pet is a privilege, not a right!