psa

Thinking this might be the year you gift a loved one with a pet? You should really think about that gift decision. Animals are a commitment, they need constant attention and love and if you're not equipped to fully take on that role, along with multiple responsibilities, then you may want to take a moment and think about what you're getting yourself into. 

We're not saying that one shouldn't adopt an animal, we believe having an animal in your life enriches it but it's important to realize everything that comes with a pet. Yes, it's hard work, and it is extremely rewarding if you put the effort into it, but if you don't have the time then perhaps now is not the right time. 

The holidays are coming up and here is a friendly PSA when it comes to gifting animals! 

Oh, that Jenny Jinya. She never fails at ripping our hearts out. 

The talented artist who has a gift at tugging on people's heartstrings has returned with another heartbreaking comic. If you aren't familiar with Jinya's work, they all feature neglect to animals. It's sometimes hard to digest but there is a powerful meaning and message behind every story she tells. 

Stories of dogs, cats, birds, elephants, you name it, Jenny Jinya will tell it and leave you punched right in the feels.  This time, it's about a neglected parakeet who couldn't live up to its owners expectations and was a nuisance. Just a friendly heads up, you'll want some tissues in arm's reach. 

Follow Jenny Jinya on Twitter to keep up with the latest comics! 

Some of you may already know the dangers lilies, among other plants, pose to our beloved fur babies. However, some may not and that is why sharing such information is so crucial... it may just save a life. 

Lilies are poisonous to cats and dogs, and one owner, Lindsey Warnock, had to discover that the hard way. Don't worry, her cat Willow is doing just fine now, but it's a story all pet owners should take heed of. 

Always do research before bringing a plant home, here is a list of safe and approved plants. 

Her story has since gone viral with nearly 300k shares but we're asking you to continue spreading the word. 

Some cats are more social than others and you can play with them all day! That's not the case for all cats, however. 

Cats are mostly independent animals, who will come seek you out when they want your love and attention. To chase and force love upon them (though, most of us are guilty of this) will likely cause them to run and hide. 

Popular artist @whatsupbeanie portrays the importance of giving our beloved cats the space they need, and did so beautifully. 

Written in the description for the follow comic, Beanie wrote, " loved Rosa (her cat) SO much but was wayyy too energetic and crazy for the poor cat to handle at first. I was much more used to playing with dogs but once I learnt the right approach we got along very well. I miss her."

If you have children, be sure you teach them how to respect animals and to give space when needed!  

While it may seem obvious to some to teach their kids to respect animals, others out there will simply allow their kids to unknowingly torrent the animals they come into contact with. 

When that is the case, it's completely unfair to blame anything that happens entirely on the animal. It's human nature to lash out if you're being used as play-thing instead of a living-thing. 

This Tumblr thread dives into the topic more. 

It's been a really hot summer, you wake up one morning and it's just too hot.. you decide to take your beloved pet to the lake to cool off because you're a great dog owner. Never in a million years would you think that one day of fun in the lake would be their last. 

Warning These will be difficult stories to read, but we are sharing them in hopes of spreading awareness of toxic blue-green algae, and maybe save the lives of other pups and their unsuspecting owners. 

Toxic blue-green algae have been showing up in lakes across the US, and have already taken some of the beloved furbabies out there. 

Story via Wide On Pets

If you have a salt lamp in your house, and you are a pet owner -- you'll want to read this! It could just save your pets life! 

When this cat owner woke up and noticed her cat was acting a bit strange, they didn't think much of it and then the cats' health began to deteriorate fast -- they rushed the cat to hospital and there it was discovered that the owners had unintentionally had a product out that was poisoning their precious cat! 

Source via Rose Avenue Pet Hospital / Facebook

Keep your loved ones healthy this weekend, and review these Thanksgiving safety tips for pets. You can find out more at Iamonitor.com.