Movies and shows have a large impact on people. Sometimes, they change how we think or look at things, or even open our minds about certain topics. 

One endless void they somehow always open people up to, though, is pet adoption. 

Movies, mostly children’s movies, typically have the same plot or character types. They often push stories with animals, usually dogs or cats, that feature some kind of lesson. Some examples of movies like that are ‘101 Dalmatians,’ ‘Beverly Hill Chihuahua,’ or ‘Aristocats.’ All three movies have a similar plot of young animals getting lost and later being found by their owners or other animals. 

These movies have a big influence on children and their parents, planting the idea in children that they can score a puppy or cat for their birthdays or something similar. 

The seeds are then sewn before sprouting around the time holidays come around, especially Easter. 

This past Easter I saw on Instagram and TikTok, parents and others think getting a baby chicken or rabbit for others is a good idea. It’s not. Rabbits require large spaces, expensive food and more attention than an average animal-crazed child can give. 

According to shelter records, rabbits are the third most surrendered animal, right below dogs and cats. The fact that they’re third should tell you something about the lack of regard people have about these animals. 

Animals, no matter what kind, are not objects. They are creatures who live and breathe; they’re smarter than we give them credit for. In California alone, shelters have a high rate of animal euthanasia, especially if they’ve been surrendered many times or have remained with the shelter for a certain period of time. 

Sometimes, yes, it is the animal. Sometimes they’re aggressive, or sometimes people simply rush into something they didn’t think through, but nonetheless it’s a concerning fact. 

However there are many cases of people returning animals simply because they can’t handle it. Many times, people get large dogs, but won’t train them properly, and then blame behavioral issues on that dog. They get animals and put them with small children who don’t know how to play right with them, and often it’s the kid who mistreats them. And when the animal reacts, then they’re the problem!

It’s an abusive cycle that follows people, yet it’s rarely talked about. Perhaps some don’t want to admit that they jumped the shark on getting a new animal they couldn’t care for; perhaps some simply don’t care. 

Adopting a pet is amazing. It’s giving a home to an animal in need. But with it comes a bigger responsibility that some aren’t up for. Researching and actually thinking about if you’re ready for an animal in your home and life is the first and most important step for adoption. 

Think long and hard about not only the animal but you as well. Are you ready to bring something that will always need you in your life? Are you financially ready for a pet, do you have the space for one? If so then look into the breed of animal, it’s diet and typical needs. 

Animals aren’t objects, they aren’t things to parade around to show on the internet and neglect once you get bored. Would you like it if someone gave you a home, only to give you the wrong food, give you a bed that is far too small and brag to everyone that they’re an amazing person? If you wouldn’t, then why would an animal?