Since I started this blog as a way to have my written work online I thought I would add some of my older stuff as well. This article was published in the Etobicoke Guardian newspaper in December 2006 while I was working as a co-op student.
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Cute and cuddly, but not the best present
Giving pets as gifts frowned upon by adoption centres
B. ALEX. MORRIS
Despite what TV commercials may say, giving that cute little puppy with a bow on its collar is not a good idea for your family, or the pet.Although pet ownership is extremely satisfying, to get one during the busy holidays is a one-way ticket to the naughty list, according to the Etobicoke Humane Society.
“Its a busy time of year, and not the best time to adopt, it can be confusing for the animal with family and other events and activities going on, also Christmas decorations can be harmful to pets in a new home’ said Merle Blain, president of the Etobicoke Human Society.
If your planning on giving a adopted pet for a loved one this year there are a few things that you should keep in mind before you go to the shelter to pick out your new Garfield or Snoopy.
The Etobicoke Humane Society has a strict and rigourous screening policy for all people trying to adopt cats or dogs, especially during the holiday season. First and foremost is that the person or persons who will be caring for the animal must be present during the adoption process and they too must be screened. So if your planning on getting a new kitten for your girlfriend, she has to be present at the adoption as well.
The screening process begins with a questionnaire and interview with the prospective pet owners. The Etobicoke Human Society has the right to barr anyone from adopting their animals and will do so for a number of reasons. Things like age restrictions for those with small children looking to adopt large dogs and immediate refusal to anyone who wishes to adopt a cat and then have it de-clawed, a procedure which some pet owners view like an amputation of cats fingers. The Humane Society also have a “no adopt list” this list contains the names of people who have either adopted animals before and then subsequently lost them or people who failed to return their spay/nueter incentive certificate, a form given to new pet owners at the time of adoption for rebates on the procedure.
If you have been planning on getting a new pet for your home The Etobicoke Humane Society won’t stop you but they strongly recommend that you wait until the end of the holiday season to adopt as the new animal must get a lot of attention and care especially during their first few weeks in a new home. The Etobicoke Humane Society, founded in 1987 is a autonomous group with its own bylaws and completely responsible for its own funding, not receiving any from the city despite numerous requests.
For more information on the Etobicoke Humane Society and on pet adoption visit their website at www.etobicokehumanesociety.com
