So You've Decided to Become a Grandparent!

By Gale Landingham

Just as we have a responsibility to help our human children and grandchildren, we have a responsibility for non-human family members…

My early twenties included a devastating experience in parenthood. I was the single mother of a beautiful feline girl. An unexpected event forced me to look for a temporary home for her, but weeks of begging everyone I knew brought no placement for my beloved kitty. I eventually took her to the local shelter, and left in tears. This still haunts me; it was many years before I allowed another furry child into my life.

 

Fast forward; life stabilized, and a little human girl, Amanda, came along. When she was 8 years old, we let her adopt a kitten named Tigger. I knew, as this kitten’s grandma, that I was committed to Tigger for her lifetime. Luckily, we also had the opportunity to get “pre-adoption counseling,” a free service available through many organizations.

 

Just as we all have a responsibility to help our human children and grandchildren during life-changing events, we have that same responsibility for our non-human family members. Young humans love their furry babies, but are not always able to live up to a lifetime commitment. In addition to the usual experiences of college, military service, work or allergic spouses and offspring, other things can happen in early adulthood—that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live in Tibet, for example.

 

I’ve heard a lot of reasons why folks take four-footed family members to shelters. I’ve sadly held my tongue as the majority of them sign euthanasia permission forms. I have often wondered if surrendering families are aware that most of these animals are going to be killed rather than adopted or rescued. Has anyone told them about other available options?

 

Unfortunately, many people are at a loss when faced with unexpected expenses: Vet bills, the need for a fenced yard, a surprise pet pregnancy. A number of generous humans want to help with these circumstances. Do you need help? If so, call 841-0502 for more information.

 

Foster care is another option for temporary life events. Cats and dogs are often given up because their caretakers are homeless, leaving for college or military service, and so on. Long-term foster care is an excellent option and is available through several organizations.

 

Working folks who feel they don’t have time to properly care for their animals (or because the animals bark or become destructive due to boredom or loneliness) have the option of inexpensive daycare. This is popular in Anchorage , and is developing in the Valley. For a ridiculously reasonable expense, your feline or canine companion can spend a happy and active day, and then come home ready to cuddle and rest.

 

Behavioral difficulties are also common. Sometimes families adopt puppies or kittens without a clear understanding of how to successfully raise a wonderful family member, and are then unable to cope with things like potty training, furniture chewing, barking, etc. Pre-adoption counseling is always recommended, but if you are already in the trenches, there are many experienced trainers who provide guidance—many for free. Emergency placement for a “problem child” can also be arranged.

 

Allergies or incompatibilities with other family members are also a common reason why some animals are taken to shelters. In most of these cases, re-homing is probably the best idea. Free adoption services are available through many rescue groups, thus giving your animal a much better chance of find the perfect home than is usually available at shelters.

 

Resources

For more information on any of the topics mentioned in this article, please call (907) 841-0502 or visit www.adoptafriend.net. If you are interested in volunteering or foster caring an animal, please call us or visit the website.

 

Gale Landingham is the owner of Compassion in Action pet rescue, and the www.adoptafriend.net website coordinator. Compassion in Action is dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned pets in MatSu Valley shelters.