Thursday, May 15, 2008

The Family Pet



"Walking into a pet store, I hear the same conversation over and over. "That puppy is so cute! Let's get it!" Yet once that animal grows up, they realize the full responsibility of taking care of that "cute puppy" and some toss their pets aside. Since when have animals become like pieces of furniture, throwing out what we think is old, and replacing it with something more fashionable? What more and more people are failing to comprehend is that when they commit to taking in an animal, they are making a commitment to take care of that life as long as it lives. Many people consider themselves "huge animal lovers," yet they buy their pets from pet stores. It is no secret to anyone that only puppy mills will sell to pet stores."



"On May 12th, 2008, Bernadette Peters hosted a launch party for her first book, "Broadway Barks". A long time advocate for pet adoption, Peters and fellow actress Mary Tyler Moore started the organization Broadway Barks! Each year they hold a star-studded dog and cat adopt-a-thon, benefiting New York City animal shelters and adoption agencies. The event is produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and sponsored by the ASPCA. The book, authored by Peters, with illustrations by Liz Murphy, is published by Blue Apple Books and is the star's first foray into the publishing world. She did it at the prompting of friends and agreed to not only write the book, loosely based on how she adopted her dog Kramer, but also penned an original song, again at the prompting of both friends and her publisher, which comes on a CD inside the book along with her charming reading of the story...sound effects and all! "

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

If I ever get to a stage where I can look after a pet, adoption is going to be the only way I get one.

There are far too many unwanted animals and people need to learn how much of a commitment it is.

alpha99wolf said...

People need to realize that pets are like taking in a 3 year-old child in the terrible two stage. If more than one pet is taken in, double the energy required to train & give attention to. It is a time & social commitment that must be honored. Training on leash is mandatory. We must consider adoption carefuly and don't base it on "aaawwww how cute" or "I want one - how little,." That cute or little dog grows into an adult that may not be as cuddly or cute anymore. Love & long-term devotion is required. Research the breed also. Example: Shiba Inus, Akitas, Malamutes, Huskies, must be owned by experienced dog people. And must be trained.