¶ … domestication of dogs over ten thousand years ago, companion animals have held a special place in the hearts of people. For many people, owning a companion animal is a rewarding and enjoyable affair. Pets will offer unconditional love and support that may otherwise be unobtainable to people in today's cold-hearted, "dog-eat-dog" society. However, owning a pet of any species, much like having a human child, is an endeavor that calls for a great deal of commitment and responsibility on the part of the human companion. "Even people who care about animals are often unable to recognize or meet animals' many needs." (PETA) People who are unable to provide for an animal's financial needs, are unwilling to make life-style changes for an animal, or are opposed to treating an animal with love and respect should not own a pet. Unlike most acquisitions, adopting a pet is not a one-time "purchase." Once adoption or pet-store fees are paid for, the animal continues to have financial needs. "The costs of pet ownership can exceed $500 per year. Food, licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, routine and emergency veterinary care, annual vaccinations, grooming, toys, kitty litter and other expenses add up quickly." (Pet Adoption) Before getting a pet, this financial commitment needs to be fully understood and considered. There are indeed many low-cost alternatives such as training and grooming the animal...
However, according to Moco Steinman, a founder of Rogue Animal Sanctuary in Florida, "There are ways to cut the cost without sacrificing quality...but a significant monetary expense is inevitable." (Steinman) Pet owners who did not consider their budget when acquiring a pet may suddenly find themselves unable to continue with the costs of pet food and veterinary care which will lead to the neglecting of the animal's needs.
They can take care of themselves. I've also been told they're good companions. But I wonder. A lot of the cats I've seen have either been so independent that they don't care if a human is around, or they are so scared they won't even let you near them. I don't know if this is normal, but it's my experience. I knew a cat that would hide over the
Gage, Louis' son, also goes through a profound change, beginning the novel as an innocent young boy, and then, after he is resurrected after being hit by a car, changing into a strange, zombie-like creature who kills and partially eats his own death-denying mother, as he is now possessed with an ancient Indian spirit, a Wendigo. Pet Semetary blends the horror of the everyday with the horror of the supernatural.
Pet Peeve There was a time when parents brought their children to restaurants only when the child had reached a suitable age and had a grasp of proper table manners. However, today, this unspoken code seems to have vanished and one is just as likely to see a week-old infant drooling at the next table or experience a two-year-old's tantrum than not. And moreover, it appears that parents not only bring
Unfortunately, the costs of implementing the licensing and education program for pet ownership qualification would likely exceed any revenue generated by licensing fees or civil penalties for violations. Nevertheless, in principle, the idea is worth considering. The two most important goals of any pet ownership licensing requirement would be (1) to ensure that new pet owners are aware of their pet's needs, and (2) enforcement of violations. In that regard,
humans benefit from their pets? There is no doubt that many individuals and families love their pets and derive a great deal of psychological satisfaction from pets -- especially elderly people that may otherwise become lonely without their dogs, cats and other pets. But according to an article in Time magazine, several studies reflect the fact that pets can provide a great deal of support for the physical and
Life lessons, relationship lessons, even artistic, music, and performance sharing could take place (imagine, a NeoPet "Grease" production using a global cast)? Conclusions and Implications -- NeoPets obviously provides a niche about which some consumers are excited. Like many technological entertainment devises, though, there is certainly potential for abuse. One would not necessarily want their children to sit in front of a NASCAR racing program, replete with ads, for hours at
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