Archive - Dec 16, 2008

Pets are a popular present for the holidays. So if you are considering the gift of furry, four-legged love, consider adopting from an area shelter. This little pup is available at the New Hanover County Animal Control. He is a neutered, two-month-old Lab and Border Collie mix. He has also been vaccinated and dewormed, but needs a rabies shot after adoption. Animal Control warns, though, that if you are adopting any pet, make sure you are ready to accept the responsibility. "We applaud people that come to our shelter and adopt an animal from a shelter. However we ask people to use caution, especially at Christmas, because, you know, the excitement. You get wrapped up in all of that. But basic maintenance for a dog is $800-900 a year, and it's a 10-15-year commitment," said Stephen Watson of New Hanover County Animal Control. Watson also said the number of bites by pets go up around the holidays, because of the stress of extra activities and visitors. Try and keep your pet calm the next couple of weeks.

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