Organizations such as The Humane Society take in several stray animals, as well as taking in those who are being given up on by insensitive people who either decide that they just cannot take the time to acquaint themselves or take the time to help their transition into the family easier. There are things that need to be addressed before you think about bringing home a dog, cat, bird, hedgehog, or any other sort of pet.
THEY ARE NOT PETS, THEY ARE FAMILY
To many people animals just seem like pets, but to many others they are family. They are just like your own child that you gave life to. Your heart and soul start connecting with the said animal, and you see your life entangled with theirs. In fact, you begin to feel sad when you begin to think about the future without them, you feel as though you would be a little lost once they leave this planet. But then you realize that you want to spend just as much time as possible with them, spoiling them every chance you get, and even celebrating their birthdays.
A STEP TOWARDS KIDSWhat many people do not understand that getting a pet is actually one of the best ways to prepare yourself for the future for when you are wanting to have kids, because they are just like babies. No matter how old the puppy or kitty or any other animal is they are just like a human baby. They require a lot of attention, and need to be trained when it comes to the bathroom. Their attention is solely on the person(s) who are trying to get them situated into life, and whomever is raising them is bound to become whoever they are going to be. For example: if a person raised a puppy into a fighter, then that dog is going to see every human they encounter as a potential threat and will attack them without any warning.
NOT MEANT FOR THE STREETSDomesticated house animals are not meant to be out in the wild where there are several predators who are just waiting for them in the dark parts of the world, just hoping to find them in their most vulnerable moments when a person who decides to just dump them in the middle of nowhere. Unfortunately this is more common than you think, there are several stray animals who are dumped in the middle of nowhere without their collar, and terrified about what is going on. They don't know why they were given up on, and why they were just thrown to the wild animals that lurk in the great outdoors.
As of 2019, the animal shelters in Edmond, Oklahoma the rate of receiving stray animals has escalated, and that has shown to be just as tragic yet eye opening.
REALITY VS. FANTASY
Most people enjoy the fantasy about having a dog or cat or even a snake, but they don't really realize all of the things that actually goes into taking care of an animal and about training not just them in general, but to also train them to be around others, especially your human kids. Another thing you need to take into consideration is that there is a lot of quality time that needs to be invested, just like you would in any other relationship, as well as taking care of their fur and health.
Before you go and adopt an animal to bring into your family, do your research and figure out what type of animal would be best for your lifestyle, because some dogs cannot live a sedentary life.