"Aww he's cute...I want THAT one!"

Ok, so lets create a scenario: two people walk into an animal shelter to adopt a new addition to the family; neither one really knows what they want except that they want a dog, and no large breeds, everything else is open for negotiation. So they search...and search....and...search. Walking past the endless row of kennels, a small "cute" dog makes his way to the forefront and BAM! They found their new family member.

How many times have I heard this adoption story? Way too many to count.

I can not stress enough this is probably one of the worst ways to decide on an animal. So many areas are to be considered when finding a pet. other than the most obvious being: dog or cat? But also large, medium, or small? short haired or long haired?

Guys it does not stop there, there are so many other factors to consider, the biggest question that most don't ask is, "What kind of PERSONALITY/UPKEEP am I capable of handling?"

Lack of knowledge of animal breeds when deciding on the most suitable pet is the rising cause of animal negligence and abuse in my opinion. This is a rising concern and I want to shed some light on this. So lets start by addressing the neglegence.

Negligence is not simply failure to provide an animal with food and water. It is failure to provide proper veterinary care, failure to combat fleas and ticks, simply put failure to provide or administer the necessities to make sure your pet is healthy and happy. I am going to let you in on a little secret FAILURE TO GROOM YOUR ANIMAL IS ALSO A FORM OF NEGLECT!!!!!!!!! I can not stress that statement enough!

I find neglect to be more of an issue with the women and starting to rise in lesbian women. For example, there was a lesbian female I resided with for a brief amount of time back in '08 that had two cocker spaniels. Fleas were grossly out of control, and the male had an ear infection so bad that if the sight of him dragging his head across hardwood floors was not bad enough to witness, the actual ear itself was. This person day after day bitched about how expensive taking the spaniels to the vet was, and how she hated to see her male spaniel suffer.. yet she could afford to buy a $400-$600 phone off of ebay outright.
Another example of a young lesbian female I was associated with has a small breed shih tzu who's coat is so matted from going so long in between grooming that he takes it upon himself to provide grooming, which in turn is causing him to pull his hair out in chunks and exposing the skin which can lead to skin infections. As well as suffering from a flea problem. Yet speaks and speaks of how he will get to petco for grooming and has not been yet.

This is neglect pure and simple, and I am getting so frustrated with girls getting dogs because they are "cute" instead of realizing yes they may be cute but I don't have the time, patience, or MONEY to keep this animal up. "Cute" dogs are typically higher maintainence breeds, shih tzus, yorkies, malteses, yorkie-poos, and so on; yet at the same time adopted or purchased in high quantities. Ladies, please stop it.

Men lets not forget about you, I have noticed the temperment and training of dogs are more of an issue for you. I am aware of a young man in my complex that has a terrier and obviously does not have the patience or understanding of the breed. So I will help you to understand some things poor, ignorant soul that you are; TERRIERS ARE ENERGETIC! They were used as hunting dogs and alot of times have the 'big man on campus' complex. So yanking your dog up off the ground by his leash because he sees something that sparks his inquisitive nature is not a behavioral problem that warrants you to wrap him around a sign and begin to beat him!

Yes I saw you, and if I was at an angle to take a picture of you face, as I was trying to do, I would have reported you hands down!

Another gentlemen I have came across has a beautiful lab mix bitch. She is the sweetest thing ever and gets repeatedly beat. (I have not seen this but I have a confirmation from an occupant of the household) This is the kicker...she gets beat because she urinates and  defecates in the house. Not because she is disobedient, but because she is NEVER taken outside! Are you effn crazy?! So why not take her outside u ask? I asked this very question and the informant advised me that it is because he is worried about the dog getting fleas.

Does this make any kind of sense?

You beat a dog, for doing what comes naturally for any living creature, and that you obstruct from being done. So naturally she will shit and piss all over your house!

So you can see as being an animal activist, vegetarian, and animal lover this makes me see red.

There are so many avenues and tricks to get around some of the most common excuses for neglegance I can even begin to tell you...but I will. Most of these problems can be solved by simple bugeting guys. Withholding anywhere from 20-40 dollars per paycheck can take care of simple grooming and feedings needs.

Here is a list of items that are relatively easy on the wallet if you are more of a DIYer or just don't want to pay for a groomer:
8 in 1 flea and tick shampoo-$8.97
Adams Plus flea and tick shampoo-$12.97
Biospot tick shampoo-$11.97 (my personal choice for the dog in my household)
and so many others...

petco.com > fleas and ticks will generate 141 flea and tick control options for the cat/dog/and household.
and alot of this is on sale guys extremely affordable, but don't compromise on price too much, the phrase, "you get what you pay for" did not come out of nowhere.

Also check into cats as an otpion. I never in a million years would have thought I'd be a cat person but I am and their maintainence is right up my alley: minimal lol. I do spoil my cat London and love to do it, but cats are very self-sufficient and really don't need much. They also arent as susceptible to alot of the health issues that dogs are.

So in closing guys, lets start researching and making ourselves aware and take more than appearance into play when we choose our next furry canine or feline friend.

You have now just been assaulted...

Bella E.
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Welcome to my experience...

Hey Readers!

This is Bella Euro, and I want to personally thank you for checking out my blog! Let me start by introducing myself and what you can expect from my experience.

I am Bella Euro, and I am one of the many young people apart of generation "X." I am here to speak out on rising issues and causes that I support fully; ranging from the LGBTQ community to animal rights, and just issues amongst young people and society.

Young people have more to say today than ever before and it is important that we get heard and take action to help educate our peers. This blog was created to do exactly that, and to create an avenue for all people to voice their opinions. I am open to comments, personal experiences, topics you want light shed on, advice, even criticism. I am open and will respond to every single inquiry I receive.

I hope that you guys help to make the Bella Euro Experience a great one and help spread awareness and the word of my mission.

Enjoy,

Bella E.