Adopt a pet

I wanted to take a little time today and discuss adopting a pet.
As you may know, we got our youngest cat from the local animal shelter. We went in one day and took a look around at the kittens sitting in their cages. It wasn't a question of whether or not we were going to get one. It was how we were supposed to choose from the wide variety of cats. In the end, we took our darling little Isabelle (at that time a cat with no name, just a number) and brought her home.
I don't know how it works at the shelter nearest you, but here, there is an adoption fee of almost a hundred dollars. That may sound like a lot, but you have to consider that your new pet has seen a vet and been given her first shots. Also, at that cost, she has been spayed already. In the event that she hasn't been in the shelter long enough, they cut back the fee, but give you a voucher to take her to the vet.
You have to know what you are looking for in a pet before going into the shelter. Consider the make-up of your family. Do you have kids, and what ages are they? There is no point getting a pet that either will be neglected or mauled every second of the day. Little kids often have trouble learning to deal with pets. You have to prepare them, because the animals have often been abandoned or abused in previous homes. A cat that was tormented by a toddler is not going to be a cuddler.
Do you have a lot of space and free time? In that case, you might consider a puppy or older dog. Dogs are a little bit more needy than cats as a rule. They need attention, walking and taking them out to do their business. Also, you have to consider breed more with dogs. How big will he get? Is she from an aggressive breed? If you cannot devote several hours per day to a dog, don't even go into the shelter looking for one.
Look into the history of pets from your local shelter too. Some are run better than others, usually based on funding. If they can't look after the animals properly, your new family member might not adjust as quickly as you might like. This is your responsibility too. It is the public that supports the shelters, and we have to make sure it is just that, a shelter from abuse and neglect.
Remember, adopting a pet is for life. Returning it is not really an option. Would you try taking your child back to the hospital? Only go in to get a pet when you are positive you are ready for the commitment.
By the way, when getting a cat, you might consider getting two. Litter mates if possible. They can be company for each other when you can't be there. It isn't that much more expensive, and it makes for happier pets.
We lucked out in how well our cats get along. Taffy came from a litter of barn cats my wife's uncle had. She was an only pet for three or four years before we got Isabelle. Introducing a new pet into the family dynamics isn't easy if there is already one there. Take your time, supervise them, but let them work it out. If it gets too violent, it just might not work, but give it time.
There are a lot of unwanted cats and dogs out there. Choose one that has been abandoned or forgotten. Spay or neuter your friend. Be a good pet owner, and maybe the shelters won't be quite so full.