adoption
Our guide to animal adoption; learn why, where, and how to prepare to adopt a cat, kitten, dog or puppy from an animal shelter or rescue group.
Wings of an Angel
The day Vixen died was like any other day. Not the sort when you expect your 15 month old Border Collie to go downhill and pass in her sleep. There was no rhyme or reason to it. It happened so fast, no one knew how to react. That day, a piece of my brother's heart broke forever.
By Sophie Jackson5 years ago in Petlife
Adopt or shop?
Back and forth I’d go every week with my dad to the shelter about 40 minutes away from home, a place for dogs that have no place to call home. Walking through this building every weekend, it was clear that the little fluffy delights that sat in those cages where mislead by some people. From every angle dogs barked with excitement of my presence, but sadly also cried for my attention and hollowed to be noticed. While I paced the paths around the dog centre, my body carries me to every cage to greet each dog as I pass them.
By Gracie-Lou5 years ago in Petlife
Curious Eyes
From my experience so far in my life, I have found that having the comfort an animal, whether they are great or small, assertive or timid, that they are something to really be appreciated. Yes, your pet will not ask you, "How was your day?" or "Are you okay?" but they will listen if no one else will. They may not hug you as you walk through the door after a long day at work or a full day a school, but they do show their affection and love for you. Your pet becomes a loyal companion, a loving friend.
By Isobel Ackerman5 years ago in Petlife
The Hooker of Jefferson Street
Many years ago, before my best friend D. and I met, he was living in an apartment on Jefferson street. He was attending University and had a full class load and a couple of jobs, so he was fairly busy and usually on the go. Heading out the door on his way to his first class of the day, he heard a little meow and looked down to find a little orange ball of fluff doing figure-8's around his feet. It was a kitten, maybe a year old, with large paws, a large head, and a skinny little body. He looked like he had probably been on his own for a while. Not wanting to be late for class, my friend extricated himself from the aggressive affections of the little creature and went about his business.
By Brittany Dashiell5 years ago in Petlife
My Little Man Daymon
One day I receive a call during what could be called my lunch hour. Being the owner-operator of a K-9 Bed & Breakfast and Doggie Daycare which was based upon and paid for rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of mostly domestic animals, there was not a lot of 'personal time;' however, that in itself was a big part of my personal transformation, time management; however, my personal transformation is another subject and for another time.
By Ahowan ICrow5 years ago in Petlife
Adopting a Special Needs Pet
Almost two years ago, I adopted my first cat. Not a family cat, but mine. One I would be responsible for, and who would live with me, wherever that was. A little backstory: the previous year, I had moved away to go to school. I’d tried multiple institutions closer to home, but none really worked for me. Moving away to go to school meant I was on my own for the first time. That first year, I was in a college dorm. The second year, I moved into a studio apartment near campus. Living in a dorm, I had missed having cats around (my family has always had at least one). Moving into a studio apartment, I decided it was time to get my first cat.
By Erin O'Neil5 years ago in Petlife
Crawlspace
The cat was in such bad shape. His toe beans were hard as rocks, his fur wiry, some of his teeth either broken or missing, and his ears and whiskers showed signs of frostbite. I pet him carefully, running my palm over his back, tracing the black stripe from head to tail. He was so muscular it was like petting marble covered by horsehair. He rolled over and exposed his belly. I placed my hand ever so gently on his downy, snowy belly.
By Robin James5 years ago in Petlife
A Friend for Life
Solitary, monotonous and alone. There lay, in an inescapable state of isolation and torment, the very definition of abandonment. There he lay, caged, dishevelled and bedraggled; no loving home to call his own; a history of pain and anguish. I could see it in his eyes, even as the innocent and inexperienced child I was, I could see grief in those bloodshot eyes. Those lonely eyes. Those eyes neglected from love we all so desperately need. His fur soft but matted. Ungroomed and uncared for. This poor pup appeared to be no more than 6 months of age. No- this was not life. It was at this moment, I knew what I had to do.
By Adam Newman5 years ago in Petlife
