Give 1t some thought before you adopt » Don’t get an animal if you aren’t prepared to take care of it Jessica Berget Opinions Editor while ago I had a friend who I thought was quite irresponsible with their pets. In the little over two years that I knew them, they had adopted and given away three animals. As sad as this person said they were to have to surrender them, I couldn't help but feel bad for the animals being adopted and then re-sheltered or rehomed only months later. I understand that sometimes it just doesn’t work out with an animal, but I think there’s something to be said about people who bring animals into their lives without thinking about the consequences or doing research first. Many people dive right into pet ownership without thinking it over thoroughly beforehand, and asa result the animal ends up paying for the owner’s mistake. When they decide they can’t take care of their pet or the experience is not what they thought it would be, they might abandon it, return it to the shelter, neglect it, give it away, or even abandon ‘Dump them is not always good relationship advice it. All because they decided to buy a pet impulsively. In an interview with The Globe and Mail about the dog dumping problem in Canada, Dr. Jonas Watson, a veterinarian from Winnipeg, said that these issues happen because people do not understand or prepare themselves for the responsibility of caring for an animal. “Some people make impulse decisions about pet ownership, failing to realize that a pet is a lifetime commitment, through sickness and health, and a responsibility that demands years of time, energy, and resources,” he said. People need to do research about the animals they are bringing home. T understand having a pet is a lot of responsibility to take on, and sometimes it’s not what you expect. However, they are living, breathing creatures, and they should not have to suffer simply because the owner didn’t do their research or think about whether they had the time, money, and patience to take on the responsibility of owning a pet. Whether you're getting a cat, dog, hamster, rabbit, or even a fish, it’s your responsibility to learn about your new pet’s behaviours and how to take care of it properly because that animal is relying on you to care for it. It is not a responsibility that should be taken lightly. It’s also important to research your animal before you commit to ownership because you don’t want to put the pet through the stress of moving or being put in a shelter if it doesn’t work out. Animals are sensitive and they probably experience distress from being separated from the people they were once attached to. Also, shelters are unfamiliar, loud, and scary places for any animal. A 2014 report by the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies noted that “animals in shelters often become ill due to stress and crowded conditions.” Surrendering an animal toa shelter can also be an emotionally tolling experience for you, so save yourself and the animal the heartbreak by doing your research and making sure you are ready before getting a pet. In addition, you should look into where you might adopt or buy an animal. » Sometimes people need real relationship advice, not a toxic and tired slogan Jessica Berget Opinions Editor here is a group on Facebook I follow called “that relationship sounds exhausting.” In the group, people post things about either the problems they are having with their relationships, or images of other people's toxic relationships found on the internet. Most of the time when people post about the problems they are having, usually with their boyfriends, the people commenting have great insight. However, there are many who resort to giving uninspired advice and just saying, “dump him.” While in some instances it might better for people to break up with toxic partners, I don’t think it’s a one-size- fits-all piece of advice. Unfortunately, this is a mentality I hear outside of the internet as well. “Dump him” specifically is practically a slogan now, given how often it’s printed on various items of clothing (just do a Google image search for the phrase) and used in memes. I think it’s a toxic and lazy mentality and people need to stop defaulting to it as advice, unless it’s actually needed. Many people are actually committed and want to communicate with their partners, or they really love them and just need help working out an issue. Sometimes “dump them” is just not a reasonable option or proportionate response, especially if the problem is fixable and the couple wants to stay together. For instance, in the Facebook group I mentioned sometimes people post asking for advice about a small problem with their Rants in your Pants | » Keep your damn shoes on Jessica Berget Opinions Editor ‘mall for making yourself comfortable on your commute home. I understand after along day you just want to relax and let it all hang out. Under the right circumstances lll condone putting your bags on the seat next to you, sleeping on the bus, putting your feet up, whatever you need to do to ease the tension after a long day. What I don’t condone, however, is people who take their shoes off on public transportation, or in any other indoor public place youre not meant to for that matter. Even worse are people who take their shoes off and put their nasty, bare feet on the seats. Frankly, I think it’s disgusting and if I see anyone do it, I'll be shooting them looks as dirty as their feet. You might not think that other people mind—but I sure as hell do, and I’m sure the other passengers who kept their shoes on and don’t want to be exposed to a stranger’s sweaty feet mind as well. Furthermore, the bus seats are probably soaked with other people’s farts, sweat, pee, and other unmentionable relationship because, say, their partner is bad with money or doesn’t clean up after themselves. As small albeit frustrating a problem this may be, many of the comments on posts like these all lie within the “dump them” framework. This is not good relationship advice because it doesn’t solve anything. Instead, it undermines the effectiveness of working out your issues in a meaningful partnership. It makes partners sound disposable, and it’s a really unhealthy mindset to internalize. Sure, if they're abusive or toxic, or if your friend doesn’t like them or is unhappy with them, that is a good reason to tell someone they might want to break up with their partner. However, having one small argument or a small issue in the relationship is not necessarily a = ie afi bodily fluids. You probably don’t want your bare feet on there, adding to the conglomeration of stench already circulating through the bus or train. Yet even if your feet are clean and smell like potpourri, I don't think taking your shoes off in a public place should be acceptable. I think there are some social rules that should not be broken and taking your shoes and socks off in public is one of them. For one, no one wants to look at, much less smell, your dirty, stinky feet after you've been walking around probably Photo by Blly Bui Getting a pet from a breeder, a store, or an animal shelter can lead to pets having different temperaments and behaviours, so make sure you know what your'e really signing up for. Owning a pet should not be a decision made impulsively. If you don't do your research or think critically about whether you have enough time, patience, and money to take on the responsibility that comes with having one, you may only be setting yourself and your pet up for disappointment. valid reason. Furthermore, you may not understand the full context of the situation or their relationship, so saying “dump them” isn’t really a fair conclusion. Also, if this is your only advice to any person who comes to you for help with their partners, you really need to come up with some better, more thoughtful, situationally specific advice. Relationships are complex and they require a lot of healthy communication, work, and trust. Sometimes all people need to do is talk through their differences, try to understand each other, and show some compassion. If none of that works and they are unhappy, then “dump them” might be valid advice. Otherwise, reconsider your recommendation and listen to people’s problems instead of borrowing a toxic slogan. ThisCrazyTrain.com Photo via sweating in your shoes all day. It’s just common courtesy. Also, the bus is a small, already smelly and confined space to be, so save everyone the extra, unnecessary odour and headache and keep your shoes and socks on until you get home. Is that so hard? You can let your feet air out at home, on a beach, or ina park, but if you're ina confined public place, I would advise you to keep your shoes on. This social code is in place fora reason. Keep those dogs covered.