Want a puppy or kitty?

If you're like me, you love animals. I have been volunteering at the local animal control/animal shelter, and it has been eye-opening. I've really learned a lot about taking care of animals and just how many animals come into our one shelter on a daily basis. It's phenomenal how many dogs and cats are in the world. It's also amazing how many of these animals get adopted into (hopefully) loving homes. However, this is not a 'no kill' shelter. This means when there isn't enough room, they have to euthanize some of the animals. They generally do this once a week, and they hate it, and I hate it. So what's the point? My point to you is to check a local animal shelter if you want to adopt an animal before you go to a pet store or breeder. If you know exactly what you want, then maybe you'll have to go to a breeder, but check an animal shelter first. Then be sure that you've thought about what you are getting yourself into. These animals are adorable when they are young; we all know that. However, they will grow into dogs and cats and will be a dog or a cat longer than a puppy or a kitten. It's not a year commitment; it's a life commitment to take care of the animal. Once you have your pet, spay or neuter it, get it micro-chipped, and have fun. Just use your brain. I hate when we have animals that come in that are just abandoned or even worse surrendered by their owners. Don't let an animal down. They love and trust you in their innocence.