Let’s make it a year of Animal compassion
As we begin 2006, my hopes are for a year where all of the animals that cannot speak for themselves, will be spoken for.
Over the last 30 years, as an animal behaviorist, pet shrink, pet therapist, animal social worker (choose whatever title you want), it has always been my main objective to improve the already wonderful relationship we have with our pets. I’ve never felt the need to have the perfect pet -- how boring would that be. I like negotiating with my pets and even enjoy the times they look up and say, “Warren Are You talking to me?” Here’s my point: we have such a short time to enjoy living with our pets -- why do so many focus on their pets’ negative behavior when there are so many more positive aspects we can appreciate..
I recently received an email from a listener to The Pet Show, who volunteered at a local mobile adoption for the city shelter. She felt that because of the way the pets showed -- with some barking, some growling or hissing -- that many people got the wrong impression of the true temperament and personality of these homeless pets. Therefore, many of these pets were passed up because of their behavior. I explained that many of these reactions on the part of the pets was normal, given the circumstances and location and have volunteered to educate the wonderful humane workers on how to show the pet in it’s best light and avoid some of the negative behaviors. And most importantly, how to explain this to potential adopters.
I’m looking for you my friends and pet lovers to let me know of pets you adopted in situations like the above and how different the pet was when you really got to know them. These stories and anecdotes may be helpful for future pet owners and, after all, our goal is to find as many homes as there are homeless pets.
Till Next Time
Hugs and Kisses
Warren Eckstein
posted by Warren @ 8:05 AM
2 Comments:
My husband and I have adopted several cats over the last 5 years that were at mobile adoption centers, that did not show well.
Tommy T, would not come out of the litterbox at the adoption center; as soon as he was home, he was out and about making friends with everyone.
CJ who was "kicked-out" of the adoption center the day we adopted her, because she bit the volunteers, vet, and potential adopters, came home and fell in love with my husband. CJ was not allowed to return. She will jump across the room to my husbands shoulder. She is fine with me also.
Alexis, cried the entire time at the adoption center. The volunteers begged us to take her because she was driving away potential adopters. Would you belive she is extremely quiet at home, and a real love.
Throwing the cats into a small cage and a stressful environment is hard on them. We respected their fear and when we brought them home, properly introduced everyone and it has been great ever since.
Any help as to ease the stress for them is so welcomed.
Warren-
I have adopted pets (dogs and cats) who did not "show" properly. Perhaps it is not the animals, but the potential owners who need to be educated. I am certainly not an expert but I do believe that chemistry plays a big part in the adoption process. Bless the dedicated volunteers first of all!
They always found a way to find out about me,my existing pets, my needs/wants and let me take time to meet a pet either by walking it, or spending some quiet time in a room, alone. Gentle advice and encouragement is so appreciated. All of my beloved adoptees truly became so much more loving and precious post-adpotion than I ever could have imagined!
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