Before you are tempted...

So, I'm gonna rant a bit this morning.  What about?  Being a pet owner.

If you are not willing or financially able to...

• take them to a good vet for preventative care
• feed them quality food, not too much, and healthy treats but no junk
• clean up after them
• keep them clean, brushed, and trim their nails
• provide them proper shelter indoors
• room to run outdoors (not cats)
• make them feel safe and loved
• give them heart worm medicine (cats too)
• socialize them to be around people, children, and other animals
• teach them good behavior
• neuter and spay them
• learn how to best deal with their personalities and quirks
• realize "tough love" doesn't work with animals ~ they only want to please you
• realize training is for you 
• keep them for their whole lives, not until it's no longer convenient or they are too much trouble
• seek out and ask for help/advice from your vet
• give them exercise both physically and mentally (yes, they love to learn!)
• give them the care and attention they need as they get older because... it will happen
• commit to them as you would a child because they depend on you for that relationship
• be prepared for emergency care 
• spend time giving them the attention they thrive on
• allow them to be themselves

among other things...

... then you need to seriously think about NOT having a pet.

{{ Yes, there are situations we can't control and "things happen" but those are the exceptions and we should be prepared for them. }}