I enjoyed Lavanya Singh’s article about the cost vs. benefits of having a pet while attending Iowa State in Tuesday’s Daily. I just wanted to mention a few points to also consider before getting a pet.

As a volunteer of the Ames Animal Shelter, I would also like to encourage everyone who is thinking about getting a pet to not only consider the time and finances it takes, but to also consider that it is a lifetime of commitment to that pet. I have seen one too many puppies and kittens be adopted on a whim because puppies and kittens are so cute and such wonderful companions, only to have them either abandoned, or brought back to the shelter because they are “too much,” or they are moving and can’t take the pet with them.

Yes, all puppies and kittens are very cute. However, they all grow up and get bigger. Especially dogs, depending on what kind you adopt, can get a lot bigger. In addition, all dogs and cats have growth stages, much like children. Will the pet be left alone a lot? So when you are thinking of getting a pet, please consider whether you have the patience, love and commitment to deal with these stages.

Having a pet is wonderful. I love my dog. She enriches my life daily. She makes a really bad day 10 times better just by being happy to see me. But I made a commitment to her the day I got her, to take care of her the best I could for her entire life. So, if you can say yes to all of these points and have the finances to support a pet then, by all means, adopt from a shelter. If not, then maybe you are not ready for a pet yet.

Linda Hedberg

Transportation services

Iowa State