Things to Know Before Bringing Home That New Holiday Pet

The holidays are creeping up on us fast and some people are already considering bringing home a new pet as a present for the family. 

It is a wonderful idea and I encourage it very much having three indoor cats and two young dogs in our household, but I must advise that both parents are in agreement with this holiday present as it is a live creature. It will need constant care for several months depending on the age and most importantly your new pet will need 100 percent of the entire family's love, compassion and forgiveness as it grows up. Remember, all babies have innocent accidents, but after some routine training and receiving loving words of praise when deserved, your new holiday pet will become a welcomed member of the family!

Now, where to pick out that precious gift offers many options. My first recommendation is to visit local non-kill animal shelters, which have large pet selections; many are purebred that range from babies, young, young adults and senior (great for a family with little time to train). The New Rochelle Humane Society, which services the town of Harrison, is located at 70 Portman Rd, New Rochelle, NY, 914-632-2925, web site www.newrochellehumanesociety.org and is open for adoptions 7 days a week. 

Joey Acocella, our late town clerk, worked diligently with the NRHS to help get their puppies and dogs adopted. It was through Joey that we adopted our beautiful purebred Cocker Spaniel, Lady Mia from the NRHS this past June, we ran into this playful puppy twice, thanks to Joey’s dog park and it was a match made in heaven!

Another recommended place to pick out your next pet is from Animal Rescue Groups such as the Pet Rescue, PO BOX 393, Larchmont, NY, phone number 914-834-6955. These animals are in temporary foster homes waiting to be adopted by loving families and can be viewed at www.petrescueny@aol.com

Then for those not prepared to take on the responsibility of adopting yet, animal Foster Care is always an option. You will take care of an animal on a temporary basis until a permanent home is found for the pet. Contact local pet rescue organizations for information on becoming a foster family. The pet’s medical bills and food are usually included, but always ask first.

I hope this information was helpful to those thinking about bringing home a new pet for the Holidays and remember that pet adoption is a lifetime commitment, be sure that you and your entire family are on board with the idea and are physically and emotionally ready; pets cannot talk and must rely on their owners for their well-being.

Season’s Greetings,

Ada Angarano, resident, animal activist