pet stores make it to easy

[porkchopsmom]

My son's friend told me they got a new GP last night. I had told them if they ever wanted another, (they have a male) I know of a very good rescue that would help them. Well, they went to the Petsmart and got one last night. I asked why they got it at a pet store that doesn't know anything about the health of the animals they sell. He said because it is easy. They are there ready and they don't have to wait. The new GP is being kept at the dad's house, at least it won't make the other one sick. I wish it wasn't so easy!!

[Weatherlight]

Yeah, it's pretty inherent in the system.

When one institution is a business, manufacturing, shipping, and selling them for profit, they will want to sell their products to as many people that have the money. Some individuals will try to lessen the harm done to their merchandise from within the system, but in essence they are slave traders and have little power over the incentive (their own, their stockholders', their manager's, etc) to make more money.

When another institution is in existence to try to help victims of this process as much as they can, they try to save as many of these discarded "products" as possible. Part of saving is protecting the future interests of these beings. Their charges have already been through what no one should go through, and they certainly don't want their animals to be murdered, neglected, thrown away again, etc so optimally they screen potential adopters, and work with them to together plan good lives for these animals in their new homes.

Some people understand the former (immediate gratification, greed, purchases, consumerism, etc) but not the latter. They want an object and they want it now. The stores are all too happy to oblige. These people don't understand (or just don't care) that these "objects" have feelings, that once brought home ought to cherished members of the family, and do not deserve to be (and nor do their kin deserve to be) treated like means to the humans' ends (of getting to pet something cute and furry, getting a toy for their child, etc). They are likely to view adoption processes as pointless, annoying red tape and will avoid it. They do not understand the need of the shelters/rescues and animals to make sure future homes are ready. They do not understand what an opportunity it is to discuss animal care with and learn from others (likely people who are educated, informed, and dedicated to the animals).

I am glad when people I'm looking from make it "not easy." It shows they care and are willing to help me and the animals. If I think my home is good enough for the animals, I'm eager to show it off, and just as eager to hear new care info and constructive criticism. Just...to reiterate, most people don't see it that way.