Green Living - Companion Animals
Why are companion animals featured in Green Living? Companion animals also benefit from living a healthy lifestyle. The same compassionate living principles that apply to us, also applies to them. They suffer from the same ailments that we do as a result of a poor diet, chemical exposure (lawn care, etc...) and lack of exercise-things that we can control. Provide clean, filtered drinking water, fresh air and sunshine, opportunities for play and exercise and organic food to your beloved companions to help them live a long and happy life. Dogs also make great walking companions!If you are thinking about buying an animal from a breeder or a pet store, please reconsider. There are millions of animals in shelters that that lose their lives because they don’t look a particular way, act a certain way, or have a specific “brand name.” Many purebreeds are predisposed to certain misery and suffering because of their breed-specific genetics and their physical appearance. These risks include: hip displasia (a very painful condition,) deafness, blindness and eye problems, palate and dental problems, heart and respiratory problems, back and disc problems and a whole array of ailments that that are induced by breeding animals to produce specific traits (toy or dwarf size, short legs, pushed in face, broad chest, etc.) Some breeds are also forced to undergo mutilation surgeries, such as ear cropping, tail docking and declawing to look a certain way. Even if you work with a “reputable” breeder, there is still a chance for these maladies to occur.
If your heart is set on a particular breed, look for the specific breed rescue group(s) in your area. There are also rescue groups for different types of species, such as birds, reptiles and rabbits. Sometimes, shelters have a breed waiting list-be patient and it will be worth it in the end.
There are alternatives to adoption. Many rescue groups need your time and your financial support. Consider volunteering your time at a local shelter. There are many jobs available where you can utilize your talents including office work, newsletter and website assistance and fund raising. Every act of kindness that works towards helping these unfortunate souls will not be missed.
For more information about pet overpopulation, etc… please visit:
thegabrielfoundation.org (birds)
rabbit.org (rabbits provides links for local chapters)
aspca.org