We Can’t All Be Friends
No offense to any only children out there, but you can kind of be the worst. Human kids are just like puppies and kittens– our littermates teach us important lessons, like sharing, boundaries, and compassion. Of course, people face the same risks of “littermate syndrome” and resource guarding too, and that’s usually where parents come in.
Before any singletons click away or turn the page, don’t worry– we’re not here to bag on you. Today, we’re actually celebrating the only children of the animal world!
Some dogs and cats never learn proper social cues. Others experience trauma that causes reactivity toward other animals, while some are simply genetically predisposed to certain behaviors, like prey drive. Whatever the reason, it’s common to meet shelter animals who need to be the only pet in the home, and these pets are often the long-timers.
It’s easy to see why. People love pets! Many families already have animals at home or hope to add more in the future, and they don’t want to feel limited to just one. While that’s understandable, having a one-on-one relationship with your pet is an incredible experience that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Pets who prefer to be alone have more than enough love to fill your heart all by themselves. In fact, the bond can become even stronger. Because they don’t want to share their space with other animals, they often form especially deep attachments to their people.
Sometimes, animal reactivity isn’t even species-specific. Cats who dislike other cats may do perfectly well with dogs. Likewise, dogs with a high prey drive who can’t safely live with cats may love to play with other large dogs. And as always, just because an animal has lived successfully with other pets in the past does not guarantee they will in the future. Proper introductions are the most important step toward success when bringing a new animal into your home.
If you don’t currently have other pets and you’re thinking about adopting, ask shelter staff which animals would prefer to live alone! These are often the most overlooked– and the sweetest– pets in the shelter. You never know what you’re missing until you meet them.
Here are a few of the animals waiting at Second Chance who would prefer to be the only animal in your heart:
Howard is a funny, charming cat with personality for days. He’s always up for a good time and more than willing to entertain. Howard would prefer to be the only cat in the home, though he may do fine with dogs.
Lexi is the squishiest, sweetest, most relaxed companion you could ask for. While she’d prefer to be the only dog in the home, she’s polite and calm on walks and around other dogs in public. She has excellent house manners, impeccable behavior, and absolutely loves people. If you’re looking for a cuddle buddy, Lexi is your girl. She may be okay with cats as long as introductions are done slowly and properly.
Rocko is a loving senior dog with fantastic house manners and a massive heart. He loves hard and plays harder! The only thing Rocko loves more than toys is his people, and that is really saying something. Rocko has been waiting in a shelter for over a year, and he would really love to find a home of his own where he can really shine as the only star!
Since 1994, the Animal Resource Center and the Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been dedicated to serving animals in Southwestern Colorado. Our adoption hours are every day from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We are located at 177 County Rd 10, Ridgway, CO. You can view our shelter pets and services online at secondchancehumane.org.