Do You Buy Pets On Impulse?

Impulse pet shopping is always a bad idea!

Pet store animals are irresistible. They look like soft toys, and as they press their button noses and little paws to the glass, they seem to be pleading with you to take them home.

Many people succumb to the appeal without a thought. The credit card is pulled out, and the pet handed over in a pretty carrier. This happens especially often when the purchaser has children who are begging; "Pleeeeeeeeeease buy it for me, I promise to look after it forever!"

Unfortunately, "forever" usually lasts until the pet does its first poop on the bed, falls sick, starts to smell, or grows big and ugly. If only more people would just think carefully, do their research, and prepare the home and family first!

Pets are not toys to purchase and discard. They have emotions. They need stability, knowledgeable care and patient affection as well as proper diets, clean drinking water, baths, training, medical attention, toys, treats, walks, grooming, and clean living quarters.

When you tire of a toy, you can neglect it, sell it, destroy it, trash it, or give it away. But a pet is a living creature. It should never have to be neglected, killed, or passed around like a sack of unwanted goods just because someone did not think carefully before taking it home.

Pets need years and years--not weeks--of commitment. Think about that before you buy one. And please obtain the whole family's consent before acquiring a pet. "Mom doesn't approve" is a pathetic reason for giving away, killing. or abandoning an animal that depends on you to survive and sees you as its whole world.