Practice makes PERFECT | Foster or Adopt

Scenario 1: Kid begs grown ups for a pet. Grown ups give in and go to the pet store or contact a breeder who are eager to sell their “products”. Kid is happy until they lose interest. Grown ups are frustrated to get stuck with caring for the pet – which, by the way, poops so much more than they thought! Grown ups want to get rid of the pet, but surprise! The store or breeder won’t take it back and nobody wants it! Grown ups realize they’re stuck with pet.

Scenario 2: Well meaning grown ups go to a pet store to buy a pet. They listen to the advise the store representative (likely a high schooler from down the road) gives them as they select the pet, habitat, and other supplies. A few weeks ago by and the pet shows sign of aggression or is destructive or gets sick. Grown ups learn the hard way that most cages sold in stores are way too small for most pets or that a lot of the food on the shelves is harmful or surprise! You thought you got a girl bunny, but it’s actually a boy and is now relentlessly humping you! Or the other way around – it’s a girl and she’s about to have a litter of 8! Grown ups realize they made a big mistake.

Scenario 3: A well meaning grown up sees a post about a pet needing rescuing from a private party and decides to step in. They haven’t had a pet since they were a kid and think “how hard can it be?”. Insert Scenario 2. OR the pets needs medical attention and the grown up realizes how expensive it can be to take your exotic pet to the vet! Grown up realizes they in it way over their heads and reach out to local rescues – that are full.

Scenario 4: A family is interested in adding a pet to their family. The grown ups and kids research together and realize that this is a big step. So they contact a local rescue to help out by volunteering on site and/or become a foster for a pet in need! The rescue selects a suitable pet they have been observing, vetted, and spayed/neutered for the family and coaches them in all things pet ownership. Rescue helps the family set up a suitable habitat in their home and advises them on products they use all the time. Family takes care of the pet and has access to the rescue whenever they need help. Rescue checks in with the grown ups after 90 days to see if they are ready to commit for the long haul. Grown ups can make an informed decision. The pet found their forever home OR the rescue takes it back!