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AnimAl we decide to take responsibility for if we
then become irresponsible owners?
Wellness require lots of care. Horses cost around
Horses and other large animals also

$2000 per year to care for if the horse
www.petshelpingpeople.com is out on small pasture, stays healthy
Kristie Franks, MS, Lecturer
Agricultural Sciences, and only gets his hooves trimmed and
Sam Houston State University
doesn’t need shoes. There are people
Many of us will choose to own an who have always wanted a horse and
animal at some point in our lives. It may move to the country and purchase one
be a turtle, dog, or horse or anything in and put it on an acre or two and do not
between. When we chose to own an expect to have to feed it. Two acres is
animal, we are making a commitment
to that animal. The commitment is to research prior to getting the animal, then not enough pasture to sustain one horse
provide the animal with proper food, they would have understood the needs without supplemental feedings, especially
water, and shelter as well as proper and then the shelter would not have to during the winter. Horses require parasite
veterinary care if the animal becomes take responsibility of the pet and the vet control throughout the year as well as
ill. Everyone has their own viewpoint would not have to treat a sick animal. animal vaccinations. You need to be able
on what it means to have a “well cared Animals cost money to care for. to transport your own horse during an
for” animal, but even our laws realize Estimates are high for healthy animals, emergency, so purchasing one without a
there are basic necessities that must be much less for animals that do fall ill for vehicle sufficient to pull a trailer and no
provided. any reason. Even “cheap” healthcare
Any person should always think and products for animals can add up quickly. access to a trailer, is not a good idea.
plan ahead when deciding to bring an Flea and tick prevention for a dog Animals bring lots of joy and blessings
animal into the family. Each species can range from $8 to $25 per month, to our lives. I admit I have little “spare”
has its own care requirements and if heartworm prevention is also about the money because I own animals. The
those needs are not assessed ahead same monthly cost. There are those thing is though, I know what all it takes
of the purchase, the owner runs the that don’t worry about preventatives, and how much their care will cost me. I
risk of providing inadequate care. It is but they don’t realize that this greatly have done my homework and know that
each individual’s responsibility to learn increases the medical costs down the I want to provide them with a long, happy
those needs. It is not an excuse under road! Heartworm treatment is $800 and
the law to say “well, I didn’t know” if the up in most cases, depending on the size life with the best care I can afford. I may
animal is not being properly provided of the animal. Vaccines range from $10 not be 5-star care, but it is definitely
for by the owner. Many times, shelters to $45 per set. Puppies need three sets above average. For the sake of all our
and veterinarians hear this over and before they are 16 weeks of age. This pets, please learn what responsibilities
over. Shelters hear “I didn’t realize the prevents multiple diseases, including will come with each type of animal
dog was so high energy” or “I didn’t parvovirus and distemper. The cost of BEFORE purchasing. Learn what type of
know my apartment did not allow pets”. treating a pet with parvovirus is $400 training is going to be needed to make
Veterinarians hear owner’s state things to $2000 depending on how the puppy them a good member of society and seek
about their sick puppies like this: “I spent responds to treatment. There are owners
all my money on buying the puppy, I who would choose to euthanize (put to professional help for that training. Being
didn’t have money for shots” or “I had sleep) these animals instead of treating prepared always makes life easier and
no idea that cats couldn’t eat a vegan them and sometimes that may be the fewer animals suffer the consequences
diet!” If these individuals had done their best option, but is it fair to these pets that of our negligence in the wake.
LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO ADOPT YOUR NEXT FURRY FRIEND?

CONTACT US TODAY TO ADOPT, VOLUNTEER OR DONATE!
1517 HWY. 171 NORTH MEXIA, TX
(MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 1568, MEXA, TX 76667
info@larashouseshelter.org • 254-292-9552