Please don’t make hasty decisions when it comes to pets, no matter how much pressure the kids put on you.  Puppies and kittens are extremely cute and will keep the kids amused for hours, but this only lasts a couple of months at best and then what?  The animal grows up and the kids are not so interested any more.  But you have taken responsibility for this animal and that will go on for the next 13-17 years.  That’s a long time – how old will your kids be then?  A cat/kitten may be a bit easier than a dog/puppy in the long term.  Dogs need to be exercised daily for the rest of their lives and they need a commitment to training and socializing if they are to become good canine citizens. 

And while its school holidays and the novelty of a new animal in your lives is great, what will happen to a mischievous kitten or puppy when the kids go back to school and you go back to work.  It CANNOT be left at home all day alone.  And then the Easter break comes along and you want to go away.  Kennels can add a lot of expense to your holiday plans, if you can get them in.

This is unfortunately the time when we see all these “Christmas presents” come to us.  Suddenly, the animal is no longer cute and cuddly and they have just become an inconvenience.  So they are surrendered to us and it is up to us – a charity with limited funds, to care for them and find them a new home.  Some dogs find homes fairly quickly but cats are far more difficult.  There have been times when we have cared for kittens (who then become cats) for up to two years before they have found a home.  A situation that could have been avoided if only some thought and preparation had gone into the initial purchase of the animal.

If you do decide to go with a “pet present” please think about it very carefully and make sure ALL the family is prepared for the lifetime commitment that comes with owning an animal.  It does take dedication from the WHOLE family – even the extended family if you expect them to care for the animal when your family goes on holidays, etc.

And if, after all this, you still decide to go ahead, please consider a rescue animal. 

We may not always have puppies and kittens available, but the animals we do have are all needing good homes, have been thoroughly checked and vetted and will give you a lifetime of joy and companionship.

If you would like more information on the animals please call 0410 016 612.

The AWL promotes responsible pet ownership and all pets sold are micro-chipped, vaccinated, wormed and de-sexed and if necessary retrained.  Costs are: dogs from $295; puppies from $350; cats from $120; and kittens from $170. 

AWL Far South Coast branch

Prince the 2yo Male Domestic Long Hair/Manx cat has a very gentle & friendly nature. He has been quite accepting of the other cats in the pound, showing neither fear nor aggression. He is probably gentle enough for children & he will need regular brushing to keep his coat in good condition.

Prince is house trained & was a reluctant surrender when the owner moved to a new rental property that did not allow pets.

Also in need if homes are  Kitty the 8 yrs. old DMH tortoiseshell cat, Ayla the year and a half years old female English Staffy x, Molly the 11 months old female DSH Torti, Ebony the 7 months old black DSH, Darcy the year old male DSH tabby, Diego the laid back 5 years old male Staffy x, Rani the male 1 years old DSH, Maggie the 6 months old large mixed breed pup, Gabby the 6 years old DSH Tabby, Gypsy the year old female kelpie, Jub the year old male French Mastiff x, Sandy the male 4 years old Golden Retriever, Levi the male 11months old  StaffieX, Jaffa the male 7yo DSH Ginger cat, Tess the female 10 years old Persian and Spot the male DSH ginger and white cat.

If you would like to apply to adopt one of the lovely companion animals available from Animal Welfare League NSW Far South Coast Branch please call 0400 372 609. Caring is a great way to be able to enjoy the company of a pet if you are between your “travels” or while you are deciding what type of pet you would like to adopt. If you would like to have a chat about being a carer please call our information line on 0400 372 609. Check our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/AnimalWelfareLeagueFarSouthCoastBranch for more details.

 The adoption fee includes de-sexing microchipping vaccinations and vet check. Prices are subsidized in the hope that these rescue pets will be peoples first choice and that eventually we will be able to stop unwanted litters. Please note that potential dog owners will need to have secure “dog proof” fencing and suitability to the needs of the animal.

We will be holding Christmas stalls around the shire over the coming months with lots of great gifts which keep on giving. Proceeds raised go to the branch to help rehome and de-sex animals in our shire.

Calendar of Second chances features over 50 of the companion animals re-homed in the Bega Valley Shire in the past year. It is a great fundraiser for the branch and a great gift to give to friends for Christmas. It is available now in all Bega Valley Shire Vets. If you prefer, calendars can be posted by emailing awlfsc@bigpond.com or call 6493 7282 and leave a message.