Making a Difference in the Life of a Pet

Animal lovers are often pet owners, many of whom have rescued their dog or cat to make a difference in their lives. A large part of the shelter pets’ population are animals who have lived very tough lives. Some are abused, from puppy mills, overbred, or just living in horrendous situations. Others are more fortunate and have been born into happier, more fulfilling lives. No matter their beginning, every dog and cat needs the basics: food, shelter, and love. This is why we raise the topic of how you can make a difference in the life of a shelter pet, or even a dog or cat who has lived a more fortunate life.

Make a Difference by Opening Your Heart and Your Home

Many shelter pets need homes that can help to rehabilitate them. For many, all they need is patience and love to recover. We can make a difference in the life of a shelter pet by bringing them into our hearts and our home. We can provide these pets with the patience they need to adjust and the love they need to thrive. We can change these pets’ outlook on life, erasing bad memories, and building new ones. Our involvement in their lives gives these pets a new lease on life. Whether we choose to Foster or adopt, we can make a difference. For some, we have rescued them from living the rest of their life in a shelter or from being euthanized. We have changed their lives for the better.

Not Only Shelter Pets Need Your Help

We can also make a difference in the lives of pets who have lived a more fulfilling life. Some pets have always received the patience and love they needed. Their owners may have been fortunate enough to provide their pets with all the basics, some extras, and even some luxuries. You think they have it all. But what happens to these more fortunate pets with a good home if their owner gets sick or dies? Where do they wind up?

Very often, in a situation like this, the pet owner is probably elderly. This usually means the pet is elderly, too. Some may have medical conditions or illnesses. These pets have grown up with the person they love the most in the world. There is a special bond and an unconditional love like a parent loves their child. But what happens if their pet parent can’t take care of them anymore?

Pet Shelters Cannot Make a Difference

If the dog or cat is very lucky and comes from a fortunate home, it is likely their pet parent made provisions for their care. Hopefully, they have a Pet Trust. Many have designated Caretakers in their owner’s Will. Although pets like this have been left money for their care, they are missing the most important basics if their pet parent cannot take care of them. They are missing the patience and love of their pet parent. If one of these pets were brought to a shelter, they face being euthanized. Pet shelters are overcrowded, and adopters don’t typically want senior pets. So, pets that are older get overlooked in favor of puppies and younger, healthier pets. The joy in their life is gone, and they are alone, living in a cage, not understanding what has happened or what they have done to deserve this.

Some pets have Pet Trusts, but their designated Caretakers are no longer able to care for them. Some of these pets with Trusts don’t have designated Caretakers because their pet owner had no one to rely on. Pet Trusts are supposed to keep dogs and cats out of shelters. The courts will step in to appoint someone, if needed.

You Can Make the Difference

If you decide you want to make a difference in the life of a pet, becoming a Foster or Caretaker is an extra special way to do that. Fosters generally provide short-term homes while the pet waits to find its forever home, which will be provided by the Caretaker. Shelter pets become your responsibility. Pets with designated Caretakers in a Will often get surrendered. In this case, you would incur out-of-pocket costs also. However, if you choose to be a Foster or Caretaker of a pet with a Pet Trust, all expenses are covered by the Trust. No matter which pet you choose, you will make a difference in their life by loving them. Opening your heart and your home may even save their life. There are so many dogs and cats in this situation. Help them. Make the difference and let them feel loved again.