Coming from a family that lovingly brought three children into their home to raise as their own, I certainly know the benefits of adoption.
Nowadays, a lot of people adopt animals in lieu of having biological children. They treat their pets as children, purchasing them clothing, sharing their beds and plates, and going everywhere their parent goes.
Some pet parents even go as far as leaving everything to their surrogate children in their wills.
I know I’m certainly guilty of treating my “four-legged daughter” as such.
One of my favorite poems centers on the love for a child they did not bore. I believe it fits with the love people share with their animal adoptees.
Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone,
But still miraculously my own.
Never forget for a single minute,
That you didn’t grow under my heart,
But in it.
— Author unknown
The question of the best way to obtain a pet comes quite often. Many people swear that the best way is to purchase a puppy or kitten through a reputable breeder. Others urge to adopt either a shelter or rescue animal to save a life.
The answer is simply this: Whichever way you feel is best, is the best way for you. Regardless of how a pet enters your home, you will surely develop a strong, lasting bond.
Adoption options
Contrary to popular belief, not all shelter animals are placed there with cruel intentions. Sometimes, pets are given up willingly by their owner. Some are placed there due to unexpected financial strain, death of the owner or even new employment that moves the owner to a new place where animals may be prohibited.
There is also concern that once a pet enters a shelter, they are euthanized immediately. A lot of shelter pets are actually adopted by rescue organizations that house them or find foster parents to house them while they search for a new family.
There are also no-kill options where pets can reside until they are chosen by a family. Some such places that are reputable are ASPCA-funded Humane Societies or Pasado’s Safe Haven.
While it is sad that dogs and cats sometimes end up in such situations, there is a silver lining. When one family must bid farewell to a precious pet, another family gets the reward of beginning a new journey.
The other benefit is that the cost of adoption most always funds the organizations that feed and shelter the other numerous animals that enter through their doors.
Private adoption is also a form people choose to place their pets. Typically, they will interview interested parties until they decide on a suitable match. This type of adoption is sometimes an easier transition for both families and the pet, since they set up trial periods to see how the pet does before fully relinquishing the owner rights.
It also gives the current owner peace of mind that their pet will go to a loving home that they chose.
Available for adoption
A need for adoption recently arose in our very own hospital. An established client of ours is searching anxiously for a new home for her two beloved felines.
Merlin and Zeus are 11-year-old identical twins. They are the most affectionate, friendly, house-happy cats. They were actually born in the Madison Park Vet offices in July 2001.
Their pregnant mother was rescued by an employee and brought to live in our hospital.
The kittens were adopted just prior to the September tragedy. From that day on, they gave their new family hope, joy and comfort in those trying days of uncertainty.
Merlin and Zeus were raised by a family with children and are acclimated to the young and old. Now as adults, the children still have a deep love for these two kitties.
Due to employment obligations and relocation, the family must adopt the cats out to a new, loving home. It must be a home where they cannot freely roam outdoors since they were raised to be indoor cats, though they have loved exploring their secured, outdoor terrace.
They are completely litter-trained; it’s all they know, and they are easy keepers. They are healthy and always have been current with vaccines and medical care. They love a warm lap or lounging in a sunny window.
Naturally as twins, they do enjoy the company of each other, and separation will not be considered.
Should you be interested in adopting these gorgeous, playful, black cats, contact the staff at Madison Park Veterinary Hospital, 4016 E. Madison St.
MEGAN L. FOUCH is the office manager at the Madison Park Veterinary Hospital (www.madisonparkvet.com). To comment on this story, write to MPTimes@nwlink.com.
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