The Military Wife Nov 2009 | Page 11

here's how it's done:

1. Free kittens and cheap puppies are available practically everywhere and with the costs of keeping a pet, are definitely the way to go. Nobody wants to look at a local shelter for an old, lonely cat who's already been rejected by someone. Plus, babies are so much cuter than adults so you can get lots of pictures to post on Facebook when they do cute stuff, like eating your plants, climbing your curtains, scratching a hole in your leather loveseat, or chewing the heel off your stilletto.

2. Don't waste getting your dog or cat "fixed". Even though experts say spaying and neutering reduces stress, many people feel it's a waste of money since it's just an animal. And if they end up getting pregnant, you can just give away or sell the babies and make a quick buck!

3. Let your pets go outside by themselves when they feel like it. They are animals and used to the outside, and they do have fur to keep them warm in the winter. This is also a great way to get your dog or cat to abandon you, since pets are fickle and will often just find a new family when they get bored.

4. If you do have to move and it's just to inconvenient to take your pet with you, it's better to just leave them. Many shelters charge money to take an animal, which will just end up being put down anyway. A pet left behind will probably find a new family better on it's own than in a shelter.

5. Develop allergies, have a baby, or get a job. These are great reasons to not have the time for a pet. Once you've decided you can't be bothered anymore, just post an advertisment on a site such as Kijiji or other local community group. This way, your pet will be taken quickly by someone else who can't afford to waste cash on an animal.

sneaky kitty...