Tales & Tails of New York

"Keep Looking" -- But, What Are They Looking For?  

One of the most frustrating experiences in animal adoptions are those people who seem to "look" for animals for the sake of looking. The search for the "perfect" cat or dog becomes both, means and end in itself.  

Such people go on the Internet and search the major animal adoption sites.  Sometimes they call about some of the animals and ask dozens of questions.  

"Does the cat shed?  Does she jump on furniture?" "Is the dog good with kids, cats, other dogs?  Is he housebroken?  Is he a good, protective dog?" "How big will the kitten grow?"  

Often, the questions are ones we can't answer with any real certainty, as animals can be different in different environments.  Many cats and dogs require time and patience to adjust to new homes, strange situations and new people and surroundings.  Moreover, many questions fly in the face of animals' natural instincts and tendencies.  Asking if a cat can be trained not to jump on furniture is like asking if a bird can be taught to walk, rather than fly.  

When explaining the realities of animal behavior or saying that we cannot guarantee any animal will be "perfect" when first brought home, most people respond by saying, "Ok, well I will just keep looking."  

Looking for what?   That perfect creature that won't bark, pee, shed, grow, get sick or chew or jump on furniture?   Such "creature" doesn't exist -- except on the shelves of specialty stores, usually in the form of a fluffy, squeaky, stuffed, Cocker Spaniel or Persian kitten.   Sometimes, I am tempted to advise some people to search "Toys Are Us," instead of Petfinders or shelter/rescue group web sites.  

One particularly has to be a bit suspicious when a caller informs:   "I have been looking for a dog for many months.  I have been to the shelters. I have been on all the web sites. But, I haven't met an animal yet who 'speaks to me."'   "Well then, Ma'am, I surely don't have the dog for you."   "That's Ok.  I will keep looking."  

Is the "search" for the perfect pet like the search for the "perfect" Cinderella woman or "perfect" Prince Charming man?   Perhaps some people just like the "looking for" and the hunt. But, reality always disappoints.   Still, the tragedy and frustrating part of these scenarios is that while such people are so busy "looking," animals are dying.   I think of all the potential, but instead, wasted homes.   That only some people would take off the blinders, shed their selfish illusions and open up their hearts!  

For doing the right thing almost always results in the "right" finally coming along.                                                     *************    

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