Adopt a pet, save a life
by KC Jones, ne news editor

    Animals can add a lot of pleasure to a person’s life. They also add a great deal of responsibilities.

    Pets do not take care of themselves. They need food, shelter, medical attention and love. Unfortunately, pets can become more of a burden for their owners than expected.

    The number one reason people choose to get rid of a pet is because of a residential move. Behavioral problems are second.

    Some people just release the animal out into the world, hoping it will fend for itself. This is very irresponsible and cruel. The animals can do damage to property or harm other people and even other animals. The animal is susceptible to injury, disease and starvation—a slow, painful death.

    Many pet adoption agencies will help relocate the animal to a loving home. At the very least, the animal should be taken to the Animal Services shelter that will handle the animal’s future.

    Animal Services is a good place to pick out a new pet as well because the animals are going to be “fixed.” State law requires that all animals from shelters be neutered once adopted.

    The adoption fee of $60 for dogs and $40 for cats includes the contract coupon to alter the animal, a rabies vaccine and a one-year registration for the city tag. The tag is important for the safe return of a pet. Ninety-five percent of tagged animals make it home to their owners.

    Another clever option to help place a pet is to give a pet adoption gift certificate. Jason Lamers, Fort Worth’s public information officer, is concerned about the well being of animals as well as the public.

    Although many people will want to give a pet to a friend or family member for the holidays, Lamers believes that it may not be a good idea to just pick out an animal for the person. Giving someone a pet adoption certificate is an excellent alternative.

    “Giving gift certificates allows recipients the chance to choose the animal that attracts them and meets their needs,” he said.

    Pets are a big commitment, and decisions of preference over cat, dog or even ferret may be better made by the new owner who must care for the animal.

    Plus, breeds have different temperaments and sizes, and every animal has its own unique personality and talent.

    Animal Services deals with over 20,000 animals a year. Owners reclaim about 6 percent; 14 percent are adopted or transferred to other agencies; 71 percent are euthanized. Some of the animals they deal with are wild, like coyotes. Animal Services often relocates wild animals to their natural habitat.

    Many animal control laws may be unfamiliar. For instance, a residence may house up to only three dogs and three cats. A person must appeal with Animal Services to keep more than that state limit. Wild and exotic animals are prohibited as pets within Fort Worth’s city limits.

    The length of a leash for walking must be at least five feet and no more than 10 feet. In a public assembly, a dog should be muzzled to prevent its biting.

    Dog bites are a serious problem. Dog bite victims requiring medical attention number 500,000 to one million annually and countless more go unreported. Unfortunately, children make up more than 60 percent of all dog bite victims. Mail carriers and meter readers are also high on the list of frequently bitten. On average, a dozen people die each year from dog bites.

    Unwisely, some owners actually promote aggression in their dogs as symbols of power. Responsible owners and parents can help prevent dogs from biting. Puppies can be taught good social behavior.

    The basic commands of sit, stay, no and come are also very important in building trust and obedience between pets and people. Neutered dogs are less likely to bite.

    Children should be taught not to approach strange dogs and to ask permission from the owner before petting a dog. Dogs naturally become excited or aggressive when chasing something that is running, so avoid running past a dog.

    If a dog approaches to sniff, stay still. If a dog becomes threatening, stay calm. If knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with hands over head and neck and protect the face.

    A bite wound should be washed with soap and water; then medical advice should be sought to evaluate the risk of rabies or other infection. Confine the dog, and then call Animal Services at 817-561-3737 to report the attack and have the animal tested for disease.

    A variety of services are advertised in the lobby of Animal Services to help owners care for their pets—from obedience training to waste removal for over-pooped yards.

    Find out more about animal care and see a selection of animals available for adoption at www.petfinder.com and www.fortworthgov.org/health/.

    If someone is looking for a specific breed of dog, chances are there is a rescue organization for that breed.

    Lisa Benedetti, NE Campus speech instructor and director of forensics, is a volunteer for the Cocker Spaniel Rescue of D/FW. Benedetti fosters dogs and attends Adoption Day events, where the animals are adopted.

    This non-profit organization picks the dogs up from pounds and owner releases. They work with a sister organization in Houston.

    “We travel pretty far to get the dogs,” Benedetti said.

    Then, they take the animal to a veterinarian for a check-up, making sure it is current on all shots, spayed/neutered. Then Cocker Spaniel Rescue places it in a foster home.

    The foster owners work with the animal to get it presentable. The animal may have been neglected or even beaten.

    “We have to spend a lot of time with the dog. One I had would scream when threatened because of past abuse,” she said.

    The adoption days give people a chance to find out about the dogs from foster owners who have gotten to know the animals.

    “It’s hard to give them up because you get attached to the dog,” she said.

    The Cocker Spaniel Rescue advertises its adoption day on its website and in newspapers. The next adoption day is Saturday, Dec. 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Pet’s Mart, next to Old Navy store in The Shops at NE Mall in Hurst.

    “We stop advertising adoptions in December because we don’t want dogs adopted out as Christmas presents.

    “People think it is cute to open a gift with a puppy in it. However, after they get the puppy for a present, many decide the animal is more work than expected. We have to rescue the animal,” she said.

    For more information about cocker spaniel rescue, visit www.dfwcockerrescue.8m.com.