Pound Puppy

For my entire life every pet I have every owned except for maybe 2 was either a stray or from someone who didn't want it and even the pound.

I've always liked pure bred animals, they are great but...we've never had much success with them. I've owned a basset hound and a britanny spaniel...both had health problems, maybe not serious but always something that wasn't much fun.

Now I have had health issues with our mix breeds as well...skin issues being the number one. But beside any health or behavorial problem I think an animals biggest issue is sometimes the owner.

Since I have been in Texas I have adopted a dog and she has slowly become my number one companion especially when my husband is at work.

But what I do not get is why so many military families adopt an animal and then as soon as the husband/wife deploys they become to much work or when you PCS to another base...there is no room for the pet any longer.

Animals are a huge commitment, and I don't think people realize that. It flusters the hell out of me to see people so easily give up their pet after so called "much consideration". I've been on craigslist and many shelters websites lately looking for a play mate for my new dog, considering the options and those words were used many times.

If you aren't fully committed to your pet, do not get one. It is not something that is going to stay small and baby like forever. They become adult dogs or cats very quickly. It is a shame to watch great pets being sent to the pound to look for new homes because someone didn't know what they were getting themselves into.

Especially to military families...you know what life you live! You can be in one place today and in another tomorrow. If you can't handle it why put a pet through the torture of having to shuffle it around to different homes? Would you enjoy that? I didn't think so. Neither do the animals...

Pets are like family to me...they are my family and I treat them as so. So if you cannot give an animal the right home or time...please don't get one.