• New Owner Help

    Posted on May 27th, 2010

    Written by SPCA Staff

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    New Owner Help

    Going home, staying home.

    Think about this:
    Your new dog may have been abandoned or surrendered by a previous family. The dog may have been abused. The dog or puppy had to adjust to the shelter and is now going home to a new, unfamiliar place with strangers. Kind of scary if you think about it! Being gentle, considerate, kind and patient will help ease your friend into his new family.

    Freedom
    Your dog may have been in a kennel for several weeks or months. He may be CRAZY HAPPY the first few days just because he’s so happy to be out and about and around people. Make sure to provide plenty of exercise to help him wind down. Don’t give up.

    Fear
    Your dog might be afraid and unsure of his new surroundings. If he appears to be scared, keep him in a small, quiet area (such as a gated off laundry or bathroom) to start, and take it slow. Don’t allow your children to bother the dog if he is afraid; fear can result in nipping. Instead, give your dog plenty of time to adjust to his new surroundings, taking it one step at a time. Don’t give up.

    Accidents
    Even a potty trained dog can make mistakes in a new home. He doesn’t know which door to go to or how to ask his new owner for what he wants. Start a habit of going out the same door every time you bring him to potty. Keep a watchful eye on your friend and confine him when you can’t watch him. Please be aware that change of food or nervousness can set off diarrhea. Take him out for potty time within 30 minutes of eating his meal. Limit his eating and drinking after 6pm. Do not leave bowls of food and water out for him 24/7 until he is potty trained. Once he is trained you will find that you may give him food and drink 24/7 and he will let you know when he has to relieve himself.

    There will be behavior problems
    Your dog had a whole other set of rules in his previous home. He may have been allowed to sleep in bed and beg at the table. IT’S UP TO YOU TO TEACH HIM YOUR RULES. Teaching proper behavior takes time and patience. If you need help, check out www.mc-spca.org for valuable website addresses to help you deal with issues that new pet owners have.

    How long will all this take?
    Allow your dog or puppy several weeks to adapt to his new surroundings and up to 6 months to fully adjust (adults may take longer than pups). Adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment. We assume that you will make a patient and concerted effort to achieve a successful forever home.

    For information, tips and more help contact:

    www.pets911.org
    www.aspca.org: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
    www.hsus.org: Human Society of the United States
    www.petfinders.org: Look under “library”

    Did you know it is against the law to abandon an animal? The New York State Agriculture & Markets Law, Article 26, Section 355 states: “Abandonment of animals. A person being the owner or possessor, or having charge or custody of an animal, who abandons such animal, or leaves it to die in a street, road or public place, or who allows such animal, if it become disabled, to lie in a public street, road or public place more than three hours after he receives notice that it is left disabled, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by both.”

    If you for some reason can not handle your new family member, please call MC-SPCA @ 842-8050

  • New Owner Help, Things to Consider

    Posted on May 27th, 2010

    Written by SPCA Staff

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    Things to Consider

    What to Consider Before Adopting a Pet:

    It can happen to the best of us. You see a cute, tiger-striped kitten with white paws and green eyes, just begging for attention. Or maybe it’s a gorgeous Labrador mix whose tails seems to be wagging just for you. You take one look, and the next thing you know, you’re walking down the pet food aisle at the supermarket.

    If you’re like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. And no wonder! Sharing your home with a four-legged friend can be one of life’s greatest joys. Dogs, cats, and other pets give us unconditional loyalty and acceptance, provide constant companionship, and even help relieve stress after a hard day’s work.

    Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. Dogs and cats require lots of time, money, and commitment—over 15 years’ worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion.

    Things to Consider

    The fact that you’re thinking about adopting from an animal shelter means you’re a responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:

    Why do you want a pet?
    It’s amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it’s “the thing to do” or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don’t forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.

    Do you have time for a pet?
    Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you’re tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn’t realize how much time it took to care for them.

    Can you afford a pet?
    The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

    Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause?
    Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren’t yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.

    Can you have a pet where you live?
    Many rental communities don’t allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.

    Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?
    If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you’re a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.

    Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?
    Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active—they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research. That way, you’ll ensure you choose an animal who will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.

    Do you know who will care for your pet while you’re away on vacation?
    You’ll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.

    Will you be a responsible pet owner?
    Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.

    Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime?
    When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.

    Get an Animal for Life

    Sure, it’s a long list of questions. But a quick stroll through an animal shelter will help you understand why answering them before you adopt is so important.

    Many of the shelter’s homeless animals are puppies and kittens, victims of irresponsible people who allowed their pets to breed. But there are at least as many dogs and cats at the shelter who are more than a year old—animals who were obtained by people who didn’t think through the responsibilities of pet ownership before they got the animal.

    Please, don’t make the same mistake. Think before you adopt. Sharing your life with a companion animal can bring incredible rewards, but only if you’re willing to make the necessary commitments of time, money, responsibility, and love—for the life of the pet.

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