Essay Sample on Pets: More Than Just Companions

Introduction

Pets are like family to humans. They offer both physical and emotional benefits to their owners. Living and caring for pets can be both an entertaining and therapeutic experience. Furthermore, if one goes to social platforms like YouTube, there are many videos of pets and their owners. However, the main question is, can the owners reciprocate the favour that comes with owning a pet? Do they care about the origins of these pets? Their history and how they came to be? There are two options that pet owners have when it comes to acquiring pets; through adoption and buying directly buying from a breeder. However, both methods are dependent on how these pets are raised. The following paper analyses the best viable option when it comes to owning a pet listing some of the merits and demerits of the two avenues of owning a pet.

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Analysis

Adopted dogs tend to show aggressiveness to their new owners. In a study conducted by Mondelli, Francesca, et al., the findings showed that adopted pets were more likely to have behavioural problems. The study showed that the adoption of female dogs was higher compared to male dogs. Furthermore, 20% of the owners who adopted the dogs twice returned the dogs based on their behavioural problems (Mondelli, Francesca, et al. 257). The researchers noted that some of these problems originated from the first owners, mainly when it came to lifestyle changes. In such cases, a dog could have been abandoned and developed bad habits such as hyperactivity, unwanted chewing, and aggressiveness as a result of not being taken care of (Mondelli, Francesca, et al. 254). They often end up in shelters ready for adoption while still retaining the negative habits from their previous owners. This shows one of the weaknesses that come from adopting a dog from a shelter or from an owner who failed to care for the dog.

Now that we have identified one of the problems associated with pet adoption let us dive into the second point. Dogs sold through breeders show behavioural issues when they grow into adults (Mcmillan 15). In a study conducted by Mcmillan, the findings show that genetics play a factor in the behaviour of a dog when it grows into an adult (Mcmillan 20). One of the main factors is the selection of the sire and dam, which determines its genotype (Mcmillan 20). Furthermore, different stressors such as temperature and handling by the breeder have a psychological impact on the pets (Mcmillan 21). Moreover, the studies show that some of these stressors extend to the owners and family members once they adopt these puppies as pets (Mcmillan 24).

Now that we have identified another issue related to owning breeder pets let us focus on the final point associated with owning pets. Owning breeder pets offers a choice of selection (The Pros and Cons of Adopting Your Pet from a Shelter, Breeder, Store, And More!). Finding the perfect breed takes years and years identifying desirable traits and selecting different genetic constructs. Finding the ideal breed requires patience and offers genetic diversity (The Pros and Cons of Adopting Your Pet from a Shelter, Breeder, Store, And More!). Furthermore, they cost less and help animals from being euthanized as they can easily take in different animals and treat them better for potential adopters.

Conclusion

Pets offer some benefits to their owners. For starters, they are like family. Furthermore, they provide psychological support to their owners. Owning pets are therapeutic experience. However, the process of owning a pet presents a challenge to their owners. The two options include adoption or purchasing directly from a breeder. The findings show that adopting a pet may come with unforeseeable consequences. Adopted pets tend to be aggressive to their owners initially. On the other hand, buying from a breeder may also present a challenge to the owner as of the conditions in which they were raised my have a psychological impact on the pet and thus translate to the owner. However, buying from a breeder offers a choice to select the desired breed based on the owner's taste. Furthermore, a breeder can also breed pets with desirable traits. This makes buying pets from a breeder the best option.

Summary

Owning pets is a rewarding experience for the owners. Pets offer companionship and support to the owners. Furthermore, they provide a positive outlook and therapeutic experience to their owners. However, there is a debate as to which option is best when it comes to acquiring a pet. The two options fronted include adoption or purchasing through a breeder.

Both options are legal in all aspects. However, there are ethics and personal preferences surrounding how owners acquire a pet. There are numerous research carried to determine which option is viable and humane to the pets being acquired. A finding from one research indicated that adopted pets tend to become aggressive to their owners. The result is the pets develop negative behavioural traits. Despite adoption being a more humane way to acquiring pets, it still lacks the basic framework which assesses the pets to determine their mental wellbeing before going into a new home.

On the other hand, acquiring pets through a breeder offers the ability to assess the pets based on their genetics. This offers a breeder a chance to assess the historical background of the pet and also the genetic factors that make up the pet. The overall analysis shows that breeding is the best option compared to other avenues of acquiring pets as it has various checks and balances to ensure that the owner gets the right companion. In many instances, owners who adopt pets tend to return them as they develop aggressive behaviour, which may inhibit their relationship. Therefore, selecting the right option to acquire a pet is detrimental to the overall wellbeing of an owner.

Works Cited

Mcmillan, Franklin D. "Behavioral and Psychological Outcomes for Dogs Sold as Puppies through Pet Stores and/or Born in Commercial Breeding Establishments: Current Knowledge and Putative Causes." Journal of Veterinary Behavior, vol. 19, 2017, pp. 14-26., doi:10.1016/j.jveb.2017.01.001.

Mondelli, Francesca, et al. "The Bond That Never Developed: Adoption and Relinquishment of Dogs in a Rescue Shelter." Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, vol. 7, no. 4, 2004, pp. 253-266., doi:10.1207/s15327604jaws0704_3.

"The Pros And Cons Of Adopting Your Pet From A Shelter, Breeder, Store, And More!". Casual Furiday, 2019, https://www.casualfuriday.com/blogs/furiday/the-pros-and-cons-of-adopting-your-pet-from-a-shelter-breeder-store-and-more.