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Wanted: Responsible owners for lonely orphans
by Lindsey Moore
take them home with you. Emotionally, the holiday season seems the perfect time to give the perfect
person the perfect pet. However, there are many things to consider before giving a pet as a gift.
Many people purchase pets from pet stores or from newspaper ads; however, there is another option
- adopting a pet. By adopting a pet you save money and give an animal the chance to live.
Before the Pasadena Pet Adoption Program was established, about 80 percent of stray cats and dogs
picked up by the Pasadena Animal Rescue and Assistance Division were put to death each year because
no one claimed or adopted them, according to the Pasadena Pet Adoption Web site.
"However, since the program was founded in 1998, those statistics have dropped dramatically, and
well over a thousand animals have been saved," said Jala Lavender, president of Pasadena Pet Adoption.
The main goal of the program is to place unwanted and abandoned animals in caring homes and to
educate the public about the importance of spaying and neutering animals, Lavender said.
The cost of adopting a pet from Pasadena Pet Adoption is $85, which includes a physical examination
from the Pasadena Pet Adoption vet, shots and spaying or neutering. Animal adoptions are held at the
Pasadena Pet Adoption, 5150 Burke, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 to 11 a.m.,
Saturday.
"I adopted a dog from the Pasadena Pet Adoption last Christmas, and she, by far, is the best dog I
have ever had," said pet owner Emily Bernard. "I believe, in a way, she knows I saved her life."
Purchasing or adopting a four-legged companion can be a rewarding and joyful experience. However,
acquiring a pet is a big decision that should be carefully considered. The responsibilities and
full-time commitment of a pet can last more than 15 years.
"A pet is a financial commitment as well as a personal commitment," Lavender said. "They are like
taking care of a small child; they depend completely on people to take care of them."
Bernard said that when she adopted her dog she had to consider the responsibilities of food, annual
vaccinations, grooming, time and housebreaking.
People need to consider whether they have the time to provide for the health of a new pet or the
patience to raise a pet. Pet owners spend countless hours with their pets in training and
housebreaking in order to have well-behaved pets.
"The number of adoptions usually spike during the holidays," Lavender said. "However, after the
first of the year, the number of pets dropped off usually increases because people did not realize
the responsibility and they bring the pet back."
In general, approximately 20,335 cats and dogs were dropped off at the Houston SPCA last year
because owners did not realize the responsibility or could no longer care for them, according to the
Houston SPCA Web site.
According to the Pasadena Pet Adoption Web site, adopting or purchasing a pet because you feel
obligated or because the children have been begging for a pet usually ends up being a big mistake.
Before getting a pet make certain that your family is prepared to make a lifetime commitment to the
animal.
Another thing to consider before adopting or purchasing a pet is the type and size of the pet. Some
people may live in an apartment, and a dog may not be a good idea for them, but a cat may be suitable,
Lavender said.
People need to provide adequate shelter and space for their pets.
"Surprising someone with the gift of a pet may sound like a good idea, but it does not always work
out," according to the Pasadena Pet Adoption Web site. "Pet ownership requires commitment and
cooperation."
"I feel like my pet is an emotional investment which has paid huge dividends," said pet owner
Rhonda Boyd.
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Furry, fuzzy and cuddly puppies, kittens and rabbits stare at you with mesmerizing eyes begging you
to