Pet Ownership

Lesson 4: The Rainbow Bridge

Recovery and New Beginnings

Pets come into our lives and they leave our hearts changed forever. Many people, as they come to terms with their loss, are inspired by their pet’s love, to help other animals. This may be the time to find another animal to open your heart to. You will never be able to replace the pet you lost, so it’s important to remember to love the new pet for itself, and to not compare it to other pets. You can also take this opportunity to help many animals, in memory of your beloved pet.

Share your love of animals with children and teach them how to care for animals. Avoid buying products that have been cruelly tested on animals or were the result of animal suffering. Report all animal cruelty or neglect to authorities. Contact government officials and ask them to sponsor or enforce laws that protect animals. Donate money, supplies or your time to the local shelter. Get involved with an animal ministry such as God's Creatures Ministry.

Rescues are overcrowded and still, thousands of loving pets just like yours are killed and thrown out like garbage each day across the United States, for no other reason than the fact that there are just not enough homes. According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy in 1997, approximately 71% of cats that entered shelters were killed and over 56% of dogs were killed. The Humane Society of the United States calculates that one pet dies every 6 and ½ seconds. According to the HSUS 1999 Pet Overpopulation Facts, just 2 cats and their offspring can produce 420,000 cats in 7 years. Just 2 dogs and their offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in 6 years. This is preventable, but we must spay or neuter our pets and urge everyone we know to do the same.

In just a couple of hours a week, you can bathe and primp several shelter dogs to make them more appealing to potential adopters. In just a couple of hours a week, you can transport animals to and from the veterinarian office, or keep up a website which attracts adopters from a greater area. In only minutes a week, you can scoop the yard once or simply love on a shy animal who needs his confidence restored. An outgoing personality is a great asset when it comes to getting adopted. In only a few minutes a month you can drop off pet food coupons, a bag of food or litter, or old newspapers for puppy crates. In just a few hours a year, you can participate in fundraisers or donate items for a garage sale or help with shelter repairs.

We also share the earth with many wild animals. Sometimes wildlife and urban life clash. When that happens there are humane ways to deal with the problem. The Fund for Animals offers free advice 24/7 for solving injured, orphaned, or nuisance wildlife situations at 203-389-4411 weekdays and 203-393-1050 after hours, or visit http://www.fundforanimals.org/urbanwildl...

Recommended reading: Cold Noses At The Pearly Gates

Exercise
Be sure to check out the links listed under Resources.

Something to Think About:
Why do you think animals were created?

Do you think God created animals with everlasting life? Why or why not?

In what ways would you like to help animals?

Final Thoughts
I truly hope this course has fulfilled your expectations.

Thank you and may you enjoy a beautiful people/pet partnership!

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