Letter: Signs of responsible pet ownership

I've been a pet advocate for many years. I started adopting pets at 10 years old, and probably didn't know what pet advocate meant. I'm the voice for the animals. I fight for them when they are being abused, mistreated or placed in a situation that their human owners placed them in. So, I'm going to ask the infamous question, "Are you an irresponsible pet owner?"

If you are thinking, "Not me," then I'm going to educate you on what an irresponsible pet owner is. Here we go:

1. Putting your dog outside in a fenced in yard with no supervision. Dogs are escape artists and are smart cookies. More stray dogs end up in shelters because of this. Coyotes are more visible now and you are placing your dog in harm's way. Especially the little dogs. Have a neighbor walk the dog if you are unable. Or, when in the back yard, place the dog on a leash. Would you put your small children outside unsupervised? I hope not.

2. Pet owners that no longer want their pets, for whatever reason, release them outside. I'm presuming they don't want to pay the surrender fee/show their faces at the shelter. If you no longer want your pet, ask a friend or neighbor to take them. Don't toss them out into the elements. They probably won't survive.

3. Microchip your pet. Many strays come in and aren't chipped. It's affordable, and shelters or vet offices provide this service. The key is to make sure the chip is updated. Otherwise, it's worthless.

4. Spay or neuter your pets. The shelters/rescues are busting at the seams. Pets are being euthanized because of it. Be responsible.

Catherine Marie Stillwell

Wheaton

Just the beginning?