Volunteer with pets when you can adopt

[Catherine]

This is a good idea. Students who want a pet often end up not being able to fulfill a lifetime commitment to the pet. When they go home they leave the pet behind or they turn it loose. Many students can't really afford a pet anyhow.

Instead of taking on a pet they can't look after, it would be better to volunteer at an animal shelter. They could even foster a pet.
This gives the student the fun of the pet experience without the responsibility that they can't take on anyhow.

http://news.google.ca/news/url?sr=1&ct2=...t=2&at=dt0

This solution would do for a lot of people who are unable to take on full responsibility for a pet. Someone with health issues or an unstable living situation could still enjoy pets by walking dogs at a shelter. Many shelters need volunteers to cuddle the bunnies and cats and other animals. A senior who doesn't want to take on a pet because of age can still enjoy walks with a dog.
It is a good idea and I hope it catches on.