If you are in the market for a pet, I hope you will consider adopting one from the shelter. Many animals need good, loving homes.

There are, however, some things you should look for. Once you get to the shelter you may be overwhelmed with the number of animals there. You will need to harden your heart and think with your brain or you will come home with a multitude. Have a list of what you are looking for, and what you need. Don't choose a husky, for example, if you live in a small apartment and are gone most of the day!

• Research the best breed for your need

• Observe behavior. If an animal is cowering it may have been abused and will need alot of rehabilitation.

• Observe how it acts around children if possible.
• Check the history if there is one; why was it brought in?
• Look for signs of illness.
• How does it act around the other animals?
• Does it look you in the eyes? That is important. A dog should look you in the eye in a non threatening way.
• Take it out and walk it. How does it handle?
• Do you like the breed, or mix?

There are other things to look for but this is a good start. You will want to be prepared to take your new pet to a good vet to be checked out. It would also be wise to consider a dog obedience class for dogs. Many stores like, Petco or Petsmart, have these classes available.

Most of all, realize that you are bringing home a living thing with feelings. Dogs and cats mourn, feel pain, get scared, hurt, dream, love, and a host of other things, just like we do. Be a responsible pet owner. Love and care for your pet, have them spayed or neutered, and plan on a lifetime of companionship.

Having served as vice president for a large, urban Humane Society, I often wonder what people are thinking as they drop their animals off by the side of the road, throw them out of cars, or decide that they are not cute anymore. I am concerned about the message that children of these people get as they see their beloved pet left at the shelter, or abandoned by the side of the road.

We live in a throw away society and it seems that pets are as disposable as anything else. Part of my job was to hold and comfort the animals that were being euthanized because the shelter couldn't hold any more. So, before we talk about acquiring a pet, I want to say this.

If you think your pet is so cute that it will easily find a home, think again. The fact is that there are just not enough homes for all the animals in the shelters. Most will be put to sleep. Some will be adopted. Of the ones that are adopted many will be adopted into homes where they are neglected and abused, or later abandoned. We once took a Golden Retriever home that had been taken to the shelter 4 times in 2 years.

Many people that inquire about your newspaper ad for free kittens and puppies , or free to a good home, are people who take these pets and sell them to labs to be used as test animals. Sometimes it is worse.

Adopting an animal is a commitment that should not be undertaken lightly. In most cases if you can't keep the animal for some reason it is more humane to have it put to sleep by your vet. I say this as a voice of experience.