A Home for the Holidays

I have frequently expressed my opinion that Neopets in today's Neopia are judged too highly on their names. They are immediately tossed aside if their names are longer than desired, if numbers or other sorts are included, if they suddenly change into an undesired species by some rogue lab experiment, and countless other reasons. I feel the need to remind some of you that none of these occurrences have anything to do with the pet itself! They may be brought on by a case of bad luck, or your (the owner's) changed interests. They are not, in any way, the pet's fault, and I feel as though we, as Neopians, sometimes fail to communicate this to them. Instead, the pet in question is simply tossed aside and left to a cold and unwelcoming stay in the Neopian Pound; an unfair punishment that they will find to be an incredibly hard thing to get over. This pet, which you may have spent years pampering, is thrown away like an unwanted Butterfish to the Money Tree and left to wonder what in Jhudora's name they did wrong. As a result, they may even feel as though they will never be worthwhile as a pet to anyone anymore.

** Note: I am not saying that the Neopian Pound should not be utilized! Please do not misunderstand my intentions! I have placed pets in the pound for various reasons of my own, and feel as though some people need to clear spaces on their accounts to accommodate the changing goals, and interests that I have mentioned above. This being said, I also don't think it is in the best interest of anyone if you are a "frequent flier" of the Neopian Pound either! **

In all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we mustn't forget about those pets that are far less fortunate than ours. The homeless, placeless faces whom you may or may not encounter during a trip to the Neopian Pound. For a moment, I want you to close your eyes and picture the caretaker of the Neopian Pound. (For the more visual learners, feel free to click your way there and stare right into his intense Techo eyes.) The Neopets I am referring to spend days, weeks, maybe even months in the care of this scary Techo, waiting endlessly for a day where they may finally break free; enjoy the company of a loving family.

I have recently thought about a sort of "reach-out" idea that I would like to encourage you all to do over the holidays (and even longer if you so choose!) In the spirit of giving, I have decided to take one of the lonely and seemingly unwanted pets in the pound, which I have described to you above, and give it a new home. This pet, over the course of the holidays, will receive the same treatment as my other pets. They will be fed, clothed, read to, entertained and most importantly, they will be loved.

I have always taken a strong stand against the unfair treatment of Neopets. I feel as though pets should be treated equally no matter what their name is, what species they are, or what colour. Any Neopet should have the opportunity at a loving and caring home. I truly hope that the holiday season pushes you, and many others to do the same. In the spirit of the holiday season, I implore you to reach out to a pet in need.

For 1 month (30 Days), adopt a pet whom you may not have thought you would ever adopt and introduce them to your family. Commit your time to this pet for the time. Treat them with kindness, play games with them, buy them a gift, read to them, and show them the love and affection you show your other pets. I guarantee you, by the end of that 30 day period, you will have grown unexpectedly attached to this little pet, and you may even decide to give it a permanent residence with you! (This has happened on many occasions with me... it is truly wonderful!)

YOU could be this little pet's hero! Imagine that!

Now, I need to address something that I feel I may get some unwelcome feedback on... some of you may think it cruel to be giving "false hope" to a pet sitting in the pound. You might be thinking that putting a time frame on the care that you will give the pet is perhaps equal to the torture of pounding the pet in the first place! This is most certainly not the case. In giving yourself a time frame (30 days in this instance) you are making a commitment to the pet and yourself. This will cause you to ACTUALLY FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THE IDEA. In my experience, being in the constant company of an adopted pet, even if it is only for one month, you will create such a bond with the pet that I am almost certain that the pet will not be looking into the eyes of that heartless Techo for a very long time, if ever again.

I am merely presenting you with a time frame to allow you to really get to know the pet, and give you the chance to see that you CAN make a difference in its life. You just need to allow it!

Everyone deserves a family over the holidays! It may just take YOU to make it happen!