A new year is here, and we are hoping the puppies and kittens adopted from shelters were not brought home on a whim with the excitement of the holiday.
A pet has many adjustments to make to assimilate into a new home. The fear and joy the pet may feel and the trust that this is home can not be over-stressed.
Bringing a pet into your home is an adjustment for the entire household. There are things that we as pet owners must take into account. It is not an easy job, but I find it rewarding to see their trusting faces along with their funny antics.
Pet ownership is not for everyone, and that is OK. I respect people who say it is not for them. It may not be because they do not like animals but that pets do not fit into their lifestyle. Traveling and working long hours are a couple of reasons I hear. That is OK!
Small children have to adjust to a new dog or cat. They must be taught to respect the pet and be kind. Putting the puppy in a crate while the child is playing would be a good option until they adjust. A puppy is a puppy for two to three years.
Obedience training is good option for dogs and owners to bond. Dogs want to please and be good if given the chance.
I had a big pit bull, Max. He and I would go to obedience training twice a week. He would try so hard to be good that he would come home exhausted. I felt he and I bonded during that time.
Dogs and puppies need exercise. This cannot be stressed enough. Exercise will eliminate many problems. The breed of the dog must be considered. If adopting a cattle dog or a Great Pyrenees or any working dog, do your research. These dogs need jobs and land to roam and run.
Children need to be taught that animals are to be respected and that they hurt and have feelings. Animals need their space. Ears and tails should not be pulled. Dogs should not be ridden like a pony. Do not give a dog a chance to fail.
There are places to get help with animal behavior. Before you give up on your new pet, seek help. Call the Madison County Humane Society. If we cannot help, we will refer you to a place that can.
One of our top stories of 2024 is worth sharing. We took in an older, little, terribly matted white female poodle that was found as a stray. She was in foster care with a lady to be adopted when she was spayed. Early one morning the foster mom heard the little dog cry out. Her foster Mom was shocked as she approached the dog’s bed to see two little black puppies. Nikki, our shelter director, had no idea she was pregnant.
The Mom and puppies are back at the shelter until puppies are weaned and old enough to leave Mama. At that time the foster mom will be taking the Mama back into her home.
Susie Schieve, executive director of the Madison County Humane Society, writes a column that appears the first Thursday of each month. She can be reached at sydneyschieve@aol.com or the Humane Society at 2219 Crystal St., Anderson.
