
hart volunteers carry our message of responsible pet ownership
everywhere. Recently, a hart foster parent shared her opinion
with the Edmonton Journal in the Letters to the Editor
section.
Many shelters and rescue organizations are overrun with
unwanted cats and dogs. There is nothing wrong with these animals
but people refuse to step up and adopt them.
Why shop at a pet store or even a reputable breeder when
these other animals already need homes?
Pet stores that sell puppies and kittens capitalize on
consumer impulsiveness. Bringing a companion animal into your home
should not be done on a whim.
So many people expect to take home a puppy and have
everything be perfect without putting time, money or effort into
training. There are other expenses besides the initial purchase -
veterinary care, food, licences and other costs.
You might think you are "rescuing" a puppy or kitten from a
pet store, but in giving these stores your money you are supporting
them and encouraging them to keep selling animals.
If you are interested in saving animal, adopt one from an
organization like Edmonton's Humane Animal Rescue Team or similar
groups. These people work hard to find homes for dogs and cats but
you hamper their efforts and create hardships for these animals
when you buy them from a pet store.
Please don't shop. Adopt.
Kylie Glessing, Edmonton
Thank you for advocating on behalf of all the wonderful
adoptable dogs that are awaiting their furever friends with rescue
groups or in shelters.