^{Geneva, Florida 407-349-5716 Hvns7th@yahoo.com}

A Pet Owner's Pledge
by Karen Peak
West Wind Dog Training

^{I promise not to get a pet – any species – until I am completely ready to accept the responsibility.}

^{I promise never to give a pet as a gift.}

^{I promise if I get a pet for my children, that I will be the primary caregiver as most children are not ready for the full responsibility of a life.}

^{I promise not to get a pet based on what I see in the movies or television. This may not be an accurate portrayal.}

^{I promise to research not only the type of pet I am considering, but also the source of my pet.}

^{I promise to purchase all materials required for this pet before it actually joins my home.}

^{I promise to understand all aspects of the pet's care before I bring it home.}

^{I promise to learn the medical problems common to my pet and even ones not.}

^{I promise to find a veterinarian who works with the species I am considering – before the pet comes home and/or a medical emergency arises.}

^{I promise to have my pet visit the veterinarian within two days or less of coming home.}

^{I promise to ensure my pet will not have the opportunity to have or sire unwanted litters. Nor will I put my pet through the strain of having a litter just because I think it would be a neat thing to do. If I want my family to witness birth, I will rent a videotape.}

^{I promise to properly train and socialize my new pet – even if it is a pet who lives in a cage. All pets need to learn good manners.}

^{I promise to feed only quality foods and healthy snacks.}

^{I promise to spend enough time with the pet and understand fully its social needs.}

^{I promise to supply my pet with activities and toys to enrich life and not let my pet languish in boredom.}

^{I promise not to let my pet become a neighborhood nuisance with noise, running loose, smells, etc.}

^{I promise to have proper identification on my pet.}

^{I promise to seek medical advice when I suspect a problem and not wait days to see if it gets worse.}

^{I promise to learn the warning signs of a potential medical emergency so I am not caught of guard.}

^{I promise to make sure I can afford medical care for my pet – even when unsuspected or sudden.}

^{I promise to contact specialists to help me with training and behavior and not wait for a problem to result in tragedy before I take action.}

^{I promise to devote myself to the life of my pet - be the lifespan a few years or many decades.}

^{I promise not to put a new relationship above my relationship with my pet. If my new love interest does not like my pet, is he/she the right person for me?}

^{I promise to prepare my pet well in advance for any children that may come into the union.}

^{I promise my pet will always be part of my family.}

^{I promise to make provisions should my pet outlast me.}

^{I promise to help my pet age gracefully and not abandon my pet when "usefulness" wanes with time.}

^{I promise to understand that with aging comes more medical concerns. I will address each one and make my pet's golden years comfortable.}

^{I promise when the time comes and I know in my heart that the quality of life is not what it was and my pet is holding on only because I am the selfish one, I will let my pet pass peacefully across the Rainbow Bridge and my arms will be the last comfort until we are one day reunited.}

^{To this my pet, present or future, I pledge.}

^{www.DianeBauer.com}