Don²t forget to stop by Brazos Mall each weekend this month to see the fabulous animals available for adoption at the SPCA.

Pets Seeking People

They run. They leap. They snuggle. They love. They're adorable. They're adoptable. And one of them can be ALL YOURS! Meet the latest pets seeking people for a lifetime commitment. . . .

Kittens, kittens, and more kittens. If you're in the market for the latest model, give us a call, and we can hook you up! These beauties are guaranteed to keep their motors running, and the only fuel they need is love. From calicos to tabbies, we have them all.

If you're looking for a love that's a little more of the vintage kind, we have mature cats available as well. They may have a few scratches and dings, but you'll love them all the more for it. We're sure to have just the make and model you're looking for.

If we can't get you the exact pet you're looking for, please check out the lovely animals just waiting for a family like yours at the Brazoria County Regional Animal Shelter. If you need healing in your life, here you will find life support systems cleverly disguised as pets. Check out their Web site at http://spcabc.org to find the love of your life.

Adding a New Family Member?
Tips for Introducing a New Baby to the Family Pet

The days leading up to a new baby²s birth are filled with excitement and anticipation. Amidst all the baby showers and nursery preparation, there²s a member of the clan²the family pet²who might need some special attention and understanding during this time.

Pets react to babies in a variety of different ways, from aggression to sheer indifference. While it²s hard to tell how your pet will react before the baby arrives, there are a few steps you can take to help with this important transition for your pet.

Dogs socialize in linear packs, which means the animal considers some family members dominant to its own position and others as submissive. Dogs may find it confusing and invasive when a new family member or "member of the pack" enters the scene. Initially, a dog probably sees the new baby in a lower pack order and may display dominant behavior. You should watch for signs of aggression such as growling, ears down or laid back over the head, and crouching. Dogs who have formed deep bonds with their owners prior to the baby²s arrival may also become depressed and stop eating.

Cats are less social than dogs and do not socialize in packs, so they have little need to show aggression. For a cat, the most annoying part of living with children is being bothered, so the animal may choose to ignore the baby altogether. Like dogs, some cats form very close bonds with their owners prior to the arrival of the new family member and may feel rejection. This may also cause the cat to become depressed and stop eating.

"Allow your pet to investigate the furniture in the baby²s room before coming home from the hospital, and let your pet explore the scent of powders and other baby products," said Dr. Suazo. "But after the baby arrives, it²s a good idea to keep your pets out of the room. Carefully allow your pets to see and smell your baby and try not to panic and pull the child away when your pet approaches²this could send the message that the baby is a threat."

You also need to make a conscious effort to spend time with your pets after the baby arrives to let them know they have not been replaced in the household. And as your children grow older, they must learn how to respect and treat the family pet. Praise your children for gentleness and correct them for rough and unkind behaviors toward your pets. If you observe aggressive behavior in your pets, quickly correct the animal, but do not punish.

"Remember that in many instances, your pet was your ²baby² first," said Dr. Suazo. "Since the pet doesn²t really comprehend what²s going on, you need to find ways to show them you love them just as much as always²a small amount of affection can make a big difference."

And keep in mind that even if you do everything you can, some pets may never get used to children. If a pet was raised around children, generally there will not be a big behavior problem, but if the pet has not seen a "little person" before, be sure to closely supervise the interaction for a while. Also, if you have a pet that has been teased or mistreated by a child in the past, there may be significant obstacles to overcome.