Responsibilities

Be responsible.

This post is going to deal a lot with pets than anything else.

I see pets being tossed aside like they're nothing because they're unwanted. The SPCA euthanizes many animals a year because the owners decided they weren't wanted anymore. I see dogs attacking children. There was also a case this year of a Burmese Python killing a 2 year old child. Please be a responsible pet owner, especially if you have kids.

Snakes have a bad reputation in the pet world. We have 3 of them and deem them GREAT pets. Very docile, well cared for, hardy pets to have with my son. But there are horror stories out there of snakes killing. Now, we don't have a snake that will get over 5 feet long. We have a ball python and 2 corn snakes. The best starter snakes due to temperament. We have them in cages that they can't escape from and our son can't get into (cages that need a key to open). If you want a snake, please do research on the type of snake. Care, temperament, habitat and feeding issues that can arise. Before you buy a specific snake, interact with it. We handled all 3 of our snakes at least a week before we bought them. To make sure they would handle being around our son. Most of all, don't release these snakes into the wild. Especially large breeds of snakes. This may not be their natural habitat and if you don't feed live, they don't know how to hunt food. You're putting children at risk as well as putting the snake in a potentially hazardous situation by setting them free. Be responsible, find another owner.

Dogs. Be responsible dog owners. Dogs need care just like we do. Vets for vaccinations. Beds, food, and yes they need toys. If you have a child, it's best not to have a nervous breed. Chihuahua's aren't the greatest to have with kids. Other large breeds like pits, rotties and bull dogs are better off without kids. I know there's always the exception to the rule. But if you know a dog is prone to attacking, no matter the breed, don't get it. We got our dog from the SPCA when she was a puppy, 6 months old. Her and my son are best friends now because they grew up together. She's a beagle and border collie mix and as happy as they come.

Cats are great to have with kids, but remember they are wild animals. They scratch and bite when their fur is pulled. They have medical needs too. Our cat is a year old and sleeps with our son, they're buds. I say she tolerates him, hubby says she loves him. Maybe a mixture of both.

You care for your kids, why not your animals? It's sad to see some of the faces at the SPCA adoptions pages, hear some of the stories. The next county overs facility is appalling. I sanitize myself every time I walk out of there, nasty nasty conditions, these animals are put there because they're just passed on. Remember, when you buy a pet, you are contracting at least 10-15 years (depending on animal and age bought) expect to put that in. Don't take them to the country and drop them off. That's how Ferrel cat and stray dog communities are born.

My thoughts: Be responsible with your pets. Do right by them and create a safe environment for them to co inside with your family. We have found a way for 3 snakes, a dog and a cat to co inside happy and responsibly. You can too.