The word pet “owner” does not convey warmth, love or care that goes with having pets. However, when you use the word pet “guardian” – the tone changes.
– Cathy Nguyen, the Pet Guardian Campaign

10. To Teach Your Children About Compassion & Care – Having a pet is wonderful way to teach children about commitment and responsibility. But you have a parental oversight responsibility in all this, as well. Your children will need your guidance about the investment in time and the cost associated with caring for a pet. You may wish them to save up to acquire the pet, as it will increase their sense of commitment. It may be advisable to start them off with a virtual pet then move up to a fish before making the leap to a long-term animal commitment. Having a pet is making a commitment for the life of the animal and your teaching them to nurture another living creature is probably the best gift you will ever give them.

9. A Pretty Home Companion – (With apologies to Garrison Keillor) Millions, if not billions, of people around the world will tell you the same thing – pets are wonderful and loving companions. Whether it is curled up nearby, or on your lap, in the winter or playing in the back yard in summer, pets love to be with those who love and care for them. So sit back and relax. Your unoccupied lap is about to become occupied!

8. Personal Growth & Good Health – If you have ever hoped to become a better person in life, make a commitment to care for a pet. By sharing your love and providing care to your pet you will enhance the personal quality of your own life. Also, owning a pet will contribute to your well being by decreasing your blood pressure and keeping you active. Physically and mentally, pets are a wonderful “tonic” for the physical and emotional well being of just about anyone.

7. Pets Can Provide Home Security – Every year newspapers, radio and TV news carries stories of how pets have saved lives. Whether it is a pet making a commotion that alerts a sleeping family to a fire or a burglar, or just having an increased sense of security while walking, pets make wonderful additions to any family. You won’t be alone when there is a pet in your home.

6. A Good Excuse to Get Some Exercise – Whether it is a big dog or a small pooch, all dog owners know the pull of the leash as “Fido” pulls you down the sidewalk and around the neighborhood. The bigger the dog the more time you will experience the great outdoors and weather will not be an excuse. We do not recommend especially long runs with your dog without taking periodic breaks for water and rest (for the dog), and we certainly ask you to be sensitive to severe temperatures (cold or hot), as paws can become frozen in winter or burned from the pavement on hot days. But regular exercise with your dog will increase your own stamina and make your dog a happier, healthier companion. Who knows, you may drop that extra weight you’ve wanted to loose along the way. Oh, and by all means, please remember to be sensitive to the property of others. Take along the plastic bag to pick up after your dog.

Own a cat instead? No you don’t. The cat owns you! Your exercise will be waiting on your cat … and on their schedule, not yours.

5. Thinking About Parenthood? – Ever wonder about whether or not you are ready for parenthood? Puppies and kittens are, in many respects, similar to babies. They may be cute, but they demand constant care as well as affection. Feeding and cleaning is just the tip of the commitment. There also is getting vaccinations, exercise, illness, spaying/neutering and dealing with the constant demands for attention and play. As you pet ages there also will be a number of issues related to growing old. Still want to be a parent? Then make a lifetime commitment to one of our adoptable dogs or cats and practice, practice, practice. We’re sure you will pass the test.

4. Unconditional Love – A pet will not judge what you have done during your day away from home and it will be quick to forgive you for
anything except, perhaps, what you have done to them. Pets offer unconditional love and it doesn’t get much better than that. Enough said.

3. Social Interaction … for you and your pet! – If you are interested in meeting other people, take your dog for a walk or to the park. Have a cat and feeling a bit lonely? Go to a pet store and chances are you will be into a conversation about pet food and hairballs. Oh, and never leave home without pictures … of you pet, that is! Pet ownership is a wonderful way to break the ice with others, but don’t get a pet simply as a tool for social engagement. If you think a pet will “solve” your problems in the social arena, you have other issues to deal with.

2. Be A Humanitarian – Not everyone in life will become a rich philanthropist. But just about anyone can become a humanitarian. Check
out the adoptable animals at www.portageapl.org and make a difference in this world by giving a needy animal a second chance at life. You may not become rich and famous during your own life, but you will be a hero in the eyes of the one you adopt.

1. You Will Be A Hero In Our Eyes As Well – On behalf of the board and staff of Portage Animal Protective League, and on behalf of the hundreds of people who support the APL, and on behalf of the dogs and cats who are still waiting for someone like you …

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS!

(Fact: An estimated 52 million dogs and 57 million cats live with U.S. families.)