Buzzzzzzzz.
Christmas Eve 2012, 7:30 AM. My dreams of sugarplums and eggnog were rudely interrupted when I awoke to a mouse slaughter from my electronic “rat zapper”.
Believe me, I love animals and believe in their rights. However, there is one exception to the rule: pests in my apartment. I can’t compromise sanitation for coexistence.
After a few 4 AM wakeup calls, culminating with a stare-down with a mouse in my kitchen, I knew I faced a miserable winter unless I did one thing: adopt a predator to solve this problem.
Although I had been a dog lover for life, I had never owned a cat. But running with shelter dogs at PAWS had me itching for a furry roommate. Dogs would be nearly impossible, as committing to a dog walker was a little tight for my budget. Adopting a cat was seeming more and more viable once I moved into a place of my own, gazing at the felines at PAWS and considering if I could become a pawent.
A little over a year later, I am a changed woman. I still adore dogs, but I never knew how much a little cat, Pounce DeLeon, could pull on my heartstrings. Even at 2 AM, when he yearns for a snuggle.
Whether you’ve taken reigns as a pet parent for years or are contemplating your first furry bud, pet ownership has many benefits including better health, happier moods and increased socialization. I’ll admit it: there’s something about having a companion that enriches your life. Plus, early winter is a perfect time to add an animal to your collection: they make the winter stuck inside entertaining.
People debate adoption vs purchasing through a breeder. Let me make it easy: shelter animals are the way to go.
Readers, what convinced you to adopt a shelter animal?
Catch up on the latest sustainability news: 25 Philly-Area Solar for Schools grants awarded. Lawmakers…
Green Century has helped investors and businesses support the planet, not polluters, for over 30…
In a bid to improve public safety, quality of life initiatives are bringing brighter lights…
Catch up on this week's sustainability news: New public orchard and gateway garden at Penn…
Consumers want authentic sustainability from suppliers. Without flashy funding or shortcuts, here's how these local…
The transit agency may look drastically different if Harrisburg doesn’t act. Here are the key…