Saturday, November 19th, is National Get a Pal for Your Pet Day, hosted by Pets Add Life (PAL). What better time to finally get that buddy for your best friend? Providing a pal for your pet is full of rewards, both for your pet and for you.
 |
| Jessica and Milo, by Purr Photography |
Why You Should
As a foster home, we’ve seen here firsthand how important pals can be for pets. Although there are occasional pets who really prefer to be the “only one”, most revel in the companionship they get from another pet. The first, most obvious, reason to consider adding a second pet to your home has to do with when you’re not there. Whether for a social outing, shopping, or a day at work, when you’re not at home it’s lonely for your pet. Having a pal around to snuggle with, play with, or even just to know “someone” else is there makes a huge difference for them.
And when you’re home? What you get from your pet is doubled, having another. The love, companionship, snuggles and sense of family is multiplied. You’ll find that with a friend for your pet, they’ll be calmer, more at ease, and less likely to get into “trouble” because of boredom. Will having a friend make your first pet less likely to want your loving attention? Absolutely not. In fact, many become even more accepting of your affection. The truth is, a happier pet makes a better pet.
If you have a young pet, and they’ve been getting into quite a bit of mischief, you might settle that issue simply by getting them a friend. Oftentimes, pets will behave in ways that are bothersome, destructive or even dangerous, simply out of boredom or loneliness! Puppies and kittens are especially prone to this. By providing a companion for them to play with and learn from, you might just resolve the behavior issues that have been driving you crazy.
 |
| Pets Add Life |
It is well known now that pets provide many benefits to us as humans. We have better health, whether it’s because of the exercise we get from the daily dog walks, or lower blood pressure as a result of the calming effect pets have on us. Having the responsibility of caring for another living being makes us more responsible about ourselves in the process. Having an additional pet only adds to these benefits.
But First Consider
There are a few considerations before adding a second pet to your home. It will most definitely cost you more, so it’s important to ensure first that you can afford the extra food, medical expenses, and supplies. You also need to consider the pet you have. Older pets, for example, do not have the patience needed for young ones. A dog might be too rough for a shy cat, or a cat might be too foreign to a dog who has never been exposed to one.
You know your pet best, and you can take them with or opt for a trial period when choosing your pal for them. If you are not sure, either how your pet will react or which pet you would like to add, fostering is always an option. When you foster a homeless pet, you are providing a place for them to stay, giving them a chance for a future – whether it’s with you or someone else. Foster homes are always desperately needed. And through this, you will also gain insight into the pets you would be interested in and which would work out well with your current pet.
So celebrate National Get a Pal for Your Pet Day! Head on out and get that pal you’ve been meaning to adopt. If you have already provided that companionship, make it a special day to celebrate your pets. They are our greatest treasures!
This is something I struggle with constantly. My hubby and I would like to add another dog to the family, but think Kelly prefers to be the only one. It’s not easy to be sure, though.
A very good idea and if it’s practical, I say it’s certainly worth consideration.
However, the size of the home has to be taken into account. Wishing National Get a Pal for Your Pet Day, all the very best with this venture 🙂
Peggy, I know what you mean. Through at least some shelters and rescues, they offer a trial period for you, which may help. After a couple of weeks of the dog in your home, you’d have a better idea – and if they will take the dog back should it not work with Kelly, you’d at least have tried. Benefit for you and for a homeless dog. I say, give it a try!
That’s true, Gary, there are considerations. Although I have to admit, years ago my husband and I had four cats in a two-bedroom apartment. It didn’t feel crowded!
From the desk of Foley Monster: Can I trade Pocket for a new dog? No? Anybody? Rats. But it’s still a very worthy cause. Dogs need friends. I have a pest but maybe someday I will get a friend.
From the desk of Chester: Hey,Foley Monster, I’ll trade you CindyLu for Pocket! Solve both our pest issues. BOL