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Health & Fitness

Don't Dump Them! There Are Better Ways to Celebrate

Some sobering words from a woman who has seen too many tragic stories of abandoned small animals. Save yourself and others some heartache.

Spring is here!  Yes, it’s cold, but the crocuses and snowdrops are up, and birds are singing their love songs to one another.  Easter is just days away.  Among the dreams and temptations of this time of year will be the appeal of precious little chicks and ducklings and bunnies (a.k.a. kits).

I simply want to ask everyone who is tempted by all the cuddly cuteness to step back and do the right thing.  Please do not get any of these little critters if your plan is to release them to public fields, ponds or forests – ever.  Don’t abandon them when they are grown, when you become overwhelmed with their care, the family tires of them, or they aren’t cute anymore.

Releasing pets is cruel, whether that is the intention or not.  Those who try to help such released former pets use different words – abandonment or dumping.

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Domestic animals are not equipped to protect or feed themselves.  Sometimes they die quickly when they fall prey to other animals.  Sometimes they slowly starve or freeze to death.  Sometimes they die in agony from the infections that arise from injury or disease.  It is awful to even contemplate.

If you want to have some of these small animals as pets, for their sake and yours, do some homework before you take them home.  Be sure you can handle their care, from the day they arrive through their entire adult lives.  There are resources online, in print, and from local individuals and organizations experienced with animal care.

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Perhaps you are someone who could adopt rescued animals.  They were raised as pets and then dumped.  They could sure use a decent home where they are well cared for.

Springtime can be a season for celebrating new life, redemption, and care for one another.  Please don’t bring home any cute little fuzzy, feathered, furry “babies” only to abandon them to a cruel fate.  That’s not what this season is about.

 

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