The Loss of a Pet

The loss of a pet is a terrible feeling. The despair, anger and wasted WHY?'s, are no more keenly felt that when it is something that could have been prevented. Why didn't I check that I had shut the gate? Why didn't I ask my husband if he had let the cat in? Why didn't I think to fix that loose board at the bottom of the fence?

These horrible questions whirl round and round in our heads while we frantically search the neighbourhood for any signs. Then we put up posters, ask people in the street, hand out flyers and generally behave as though we are missing a child. Which, of course, we are, aren't we?

It's time to start educating ourselves to the fact that we need to treat our pets almost as though they are children. In the sense that, instead of waiting for an accident to happen, we prevent it first. All parents automatically check that the gate is locked, there's no escape, no nasty things lurking about that could possibly harm our most precious.

We need to do this for our pets too. After all, we are told time and time again: an animal is for life! So, we should treat this new friend with the respect he deserves and keep him safe!

There are many things we can do in order to safeguard, as far as we are able, these important additions to our lives.

Regular veterinary checks are a must. Vaccinations and basic physical check-ups might prevent a potentially fatal problem occurring (or being overlooked).

Make sure that all areas that your pet is going to be in and around are not potentially hazardous.

Keep gates locked and fences secure. So many pets are lost due to poor maintenance or lack of routine inspection. When out and about, be aware that, while you know your own pet, you don't know the nature of another dog you may meet on the street. A savage attack is the most frightening thing to witness and then deal with. Dogs are not always manageable or predictable.

Wearing a collar is a must for all dogs and cats. For our friends that walk at night there is always a lit dog collar (very groovy). And we have to pay attention to making sure our friends always have access to fresh water. In warmer areas it is important to keep our pets cool, and in colder areas to keep our pets warm.

So let's look after our friends, as they deserve... Let's face it, they would look after us. We need to make sure we don't let them down...or loss may follow.