TRUE STAR JR. 7 TRUE STAR JR. 7

You see a dog in an alley whose fur

is matted and patches missing. It looks up at

you and you become captivated as it gives

you those puppy dog eyes. You suddenly feel

that urge that you want to do something for

the dog. You decide you want to adopt it. So

you go to it, pet it, and take it to your home.

Even though your heart is in the right place,

that is what you should not do when you

come across a stray animal, even if it does

give you the puppy eyes. Cats and dogs are

the most commonly found strays that people

try to bring into their home. Usually they do

this because they feel sorry for the animal

and believe that they are helping it. What

most people fail to realize, though, is that

just because an animal looks healthy, doesn’t

BY LISA WETZEL, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMYDESIGN IN COLLABORATION WITH ASANTA CUNNINGHAM

mean it is healthy. Many strays suffer from

parasites, worms, or a number of different

diseases that they contracted from garbage

cans, streets, or even other animals. By

bringing said animal into your home, you

also invite any unwelcomed guests that

are attached.

What should you do then if you come across

a stray? Call the city and let them handle

it. Handling things yourself can be very

dangerous and not just because of parasites.

If a stray suddenly feels threatened by your

presence, or is very skittish, it may attack you

out of fear. So, if you really want to adopt

a furry friend, consider going to an animal

shelter or pound and be sure to get them

checked for bugs.

STRAY ANIMALSTaking In