12 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 10

My son with Annie

My senior year of high school I went to the local animal shelter and adopted a dog. She was the first dog I saw, and she was very excited. Annie is a white rat terrier mix, and she became mine that day. Now it's time to teach my sons about animal shelters.

The boys and I bought some dog treats and dog food. My 4-year old asked if the treats were for Annie or Maddie, my in-laws dog. I explained that they were for animals that needed homes. They were a little confused because in the eyes of a toddler, who wouldn't want a cat or a dog. I explained it further by saying that this is the place people go to pick out their pets like Annie or Maddie.

At the animal shelter

At the animal shelter, the first room you walk into had all the cages for the cats. So when the boys delivered the treats and food they were lucky enough to play with some of the cats. One of the cats made fast friends with my 4-year old. He wanted to take it to my parent's house not our house, which I thought was interesting. It makes me wonder if he thinks that most pets should live in the country. After all, Annie and Maddie do.

My 4-year old did not want to leave his new cat friend, so much so that he had silent tears. Maybe we'll have to start considering having a pet. We should start with a Goldfish.

They didn't get a chance to see the dogs, but the treats and food were well received.

Like Bob Barker said, "Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered." We love our pets, and are so thankful animal shelters take care of future pets.