Lessons from The Humane Society

I am thinking about the governmental rush to snatch up the Haitian children, and about the subsequent rush that will follow of parents just dying to bring one them home! It's like shopping at PetSmart or PetCo and seeing the puppies and kittens in cages just staring at you...begging you to take them home....tugging at your heart strings.

Here are some tips amended from the Humane Society and another pet adoption article.

It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute or needy dog or cat child just begging for attention.

You take one look, and the next thing you know, you're applying for adoption.

If you're like most of us, falling in love with a baby is easy. And no wonder!

Being a Mommy or Daddy can be one of life's greatest joys. Children give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, a sense of pride and accolades for our rescue efforts.

Adopting, though, is a big decision. Babies require lots of time, money, and commitment—more than 18 years' worth. Parenting can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

Things to Consider

The fact that you're thinking of adopting means you're on the right track—it's definitely the responsible, caring thing to do. But here are some things to think over first:

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Why do you want a baby? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they adopt. Adopting because it's "the thing to do" usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.
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Do you have time for a baby or needy child? Children be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many children have been already removed from families who didn't realize how much time it took to care for them, or were unwilling or unable to provide the necessary care.
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Can you afford adoption? The costs of adoption can be quite high. Ongoing costs of raising child even higher still.
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Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a baby can create?
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Is it a good time for you to adopt? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt.
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Are your living arrangements suitable for the child you have in mind? Children of a race that is different form their parents do best in interracial neighborhoods and schools.
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Do you know who will care for your baby while you're ay work or away on vacation?
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Finally, are you prepared to care for the child you adopt for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.


Think before you adopt.

- Puppies grow up to be dogs! And babies grow to be kids, then teens...

- Can you have/tolerate a dog that barks? A cat that meows a lot? A child who doesn't bond with you? Can you handle a moody child? An angry child? A sad child?

Pets children are not disposable.

- If you’ve recently lost a pet a child and are considering getting another, have you had enough time to grieve for your lost pet child? Do you understand that the next animal child you adopt will have different habits and quirks? Many people move too quickly to fill the void left by a deceased pet. Sadly, these animals children are adopted and returned or abandoned. Take the time to grieve and get ready for another pet child. It’s only fair to you and the next animal you take in.

Google Anita Tedaldi!  Google terminated adoption...disrupted adoption...