A Mid-Summer Hi!
This is Mango, Hope you’re having a relaxing summer! It’s my turn to write the newsletter. I’ve been so busy; with all the summer fruit ripening, my mousing schedule has been crazy. So, I’m a little behind getting this done.
A little about myself: I’m a “nature cat.” I was homeless for a while. I think I had a family when I was a kitten, but I honestly can’t recall.
Anyway, I found a human I thought I could like and she saw me hanging around. She started leaving me food and then offered a spot in her garage. Now, I ain’t no housecat! I need my space. She and my sort-of-friend Buddy can live in the house. I like my garage. But I’m not so tough that I don’t appreciate them.
So… us tough cats know there’s a lot of weird stuff going on out there. And I’m not just talking about staying out of the way of other animals (especially those with round legs that go fast on the streets.)
Let’s talk about buying a pet
Some humans do this, and that’s cool – but please think about some common-sense rules.
- Before you pay: meet your future pet face-to-face. Like… how else are you going to know if you’re right for each other? ALSO, if the seller doesn’t allow this, watch out for a scam.
- When you pay: never wire money, fill a reloadable prepaid / gift card, or some other hokie method scammers think up.
- Check out the seller before you pay: Use Facebook, the American Kennel Club (for dogs), The Cat Fanciers’ Association, the Humane Society, ask other breeders. Research and use your 6th sense; you know how. (See links to these and more info here)
- Make sure the pet shipper is legit: You can’t just throw a pet in a box and slap on a label, I mean REALLY! There are shots, certifications, and all sorts of stuff required by law.
Are you looking at a “free pet”?
Use the same 4 rules above. And RUN away if there are bogus vet bills or fake shipping costs involved.
My human wants you to know about another useful source: the FL Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Trained analysts can answer questions on almost any topic. Call them at 1800-435-7352 (HELP-FLA).
There is also a list of local pet adoption organizations on our website.
Ok, that’s all from me. Watch for Buddy’s news next month.
Ciao!
Mango
P.S. When you visit our Community Service page – if you know a website that we should list, PLEASE send it to us. I worked on that page last weekend, but I can’t know everything! Thanks…