If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’re well-aware that we LOVE animals, and that animal welfare is a cause near and dear to our hearts. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there are even more homeless pets crowded into local shelters than usual, and if you’ve ever considered fostering or adopting a furry friend, now is absolutely a perfect time to to do it. Need a little convincing? Here are the top five best reasons to hop in the car right now and come home with a foster friend.
1. Walking the dog is a valid reason to go outside.
We could all do with a little more sunshine, exercise, and general “being outside the house” right now, and walking your dog is one of the few legitimate reasons to be out and about. Wear a mask if you live in a densely populated area, make sure to keep a safe distance from others, and for goodness sake, be a good neighbor and always pick up after your pup. Our pooches have gotten so many walks the last few weeks they’ve actually lost a pound or two and they’re sleeping like little furry rocks every night.
2. You’ve got plenty of time
Having a puppy (or any kind of pet, really) is a big time commitment. Getting them adjusted and potty trained and all that good stuff takes some serious at-home time, no doubt about it. And guess what you have a literally endless supply of right now? Time at home! If you’ve ever wanted to adopt a pet and thought you didn’t have the time to devote to the early stages, now’s your moment.
3. It doesn’t have to be forever.
Maybe your regular lifestyle doesn’t lend itself well to pet ownership. If you’re working 70 hours a week and heading back out the door for social plans the second you change out of your suit, it’s not really fair to bring home a pup that will sit at home alone all day missing you. That’s ok! There are tons of foster organizations that need temporary families to take in an animal until they can locate a forever home. We’re going to be home for a while, and a foster arrangement allows you to try on pet ownership without the lifelong commitment. Please be sure you’re able to provide for the foster pup until they find their permanent family, not just until your office reopens. (P.S.- You can almost always opt to keep the foster pet if you decide you can’t bear to part with them.)
4. The animal needs you.
There are SO many sweet dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and pets of all stripes that are spending their lives in a cage waiting for somebody to pick them. Whether you’re a sporting dog person or something in the teacup family is more your style, take a gander at the websites for your local animal shelters- you’ll probably find the dog or cat of your dreams, and they’ll love you forever for bringing them into your family.
5. You need them, too.
Having a pet is a big responsibility, but it’s so very rewarding. Nobody loves you unconditionally quite like a dog. (And nobody ignores you quite so pointedly until dinner time like a cat.) A furry friend is the perfect companion when you’re feeling isolated and need some cuddles, want the validation of caring for another living being, or you’re on the verge of completely losing it if you’re alone in the house for one more day. To your pet, you’re the whole world, and that’s a pretty great feeling.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, check out the animal shelters and charities we mentioned in this previous post about volunteer opportunities, or give your local animal shelter a call to ask about fostering or adopting. You’ll be glad you did!