By: Seraphina Quinn
You’ve heard the phrase “man’s best friend” countless times, but what if we’re not treating our best friends as well as we think? In a society where pet ownership is as common as owning a smartphone, Carole Nailen’s groundbreaking work, Handbook For All Pet Guardians, takes a deep dive into the overlooked and sometimes misunderstood responsibilities of caring for pets in America. With nearly 60-73 million dog guardians and 90 million cat guardians in the U.S., one might think we’ve got this whole pet care thing figured out, but Nailen begs to differ.
Most Americans think bringing a pet home is a matter of affection—a whim, a spontaneous act of love. What they don’t often realize, Carole argues, is that the decision to own a pet should be much more deliberate. She didn’t pen Handbook for All Pet Guardians for people who just want the cute companionship of a kitten or puppy. Instead, her guide confronts a stark reality: being a pet owner is a lifelong responsibility that requires careful planning, patience, and a willingness to understand the complexities of your furry friend’s needs.
For Nailen, growing up with dogs and cats wasn’t just about cuddles and companionship—it was an early education in responsibility. She witnessed firsthand how the excitement of owning a puppy can fade as the animal grows, with many people then discarding their once-loved pet. Nailen’s book emerged from this sad observation, fueled by a sense of duty to the animals she saw being abandoned.
But here’s the twist—she isn’t just advocating for pet adoption; she’s challenging the entire culture around it. Pet stores, breeders, and even some shelters fail the animals they claim to protect. Her book tackles everything from irresponsible breeding practices to pet adoption agencies that are often more concerned with profit than with finding safe, loving homes for the animals. Her mission? To make people think twice before they bring a pet into their lives.
More specifically, her book is for those who want to take on the responsibility for a pet’s entire life. And it’s not just about food and shelter. She’s talking about everything—the healthcare, emotional well-being, and even the companionship your pet will need from day one until their final day.
It’s important to understand that her guide can easily be a must-read, becoming a part of every pet store, every shelter, and every household that cares about animal welfare. It’s the only book like it. And indeed, it is—Handbook for All Pet Guardians covers more ground than any other book on the market. From understanding your pet’s needs to navigating the pitfalls of the pet adoption system, it’s a one-stop resource for anyone serious about caring for their animal companion.
In a time when consumerism often trumps compassion, Nailen’s voice cuts through the noise. She doesn’t just want people to buy pets; she wants them to understand what it truly means to care for them. Shelters, she notes, are frequently underfunded and understaffed, with employees who might not even understand the basic care requirements of the animals they look after. Nailen’s solution is simple: education.
People need to be more aware of the consequences of their choices when they adopt a pet. That means not just learning about the cute little puppy, but also preparing for the day that puppy grows into a large dog. Her book dives deep into every aspect of pet care, from choosing the right food to avoiding harmful behaviors like declawing, which she passionately condemns for its cruelty.
If you think purebreds are healthier than mutts, think again. Nailen dismantles this myth in a matter-of-fact tone throughout her book. In fact, she argues, purebreds are often less healthy due to overbreeding and genetic issues. It’s the mixed breeds—the so-called “mutts”—that often have fewer health complications and make for healthier, more robust pets.
And then there’s declawing. While many think it’s a harmless way to keep their furniture intact, Nailen reveals the brutal truth: it’s akin to amputating a human finger at the last knuckle. The consequences for a cat’s health and well-being are severe and irreversible. This isn’t a minor surgery—it’s a life-altering procedure that can damage a cat’s ability to walk and lead to psychological distress.
Nailen’s work extends beyond the pages of her book. With years of experience rescuing cats and dogs, she has made links all throughout the chain and has been fighting for the rights of animals ever since. But even now, at 84, her work is far from over.
Her days are spent in practical action, rescuing strays, paying for their veterinary bills, and even arranging for pets to be sent to northern states where they have a better chance of finding a loving home. Pets are not commodities—they’re family. And if you’re not prepared to treat them as such, Nailen’s advice is simple: don’t adopt.
It’s easy to walk into a pet store and fall in love with a tiny kitten or puppy. It’s much harder to commit to the years of responsibility that come with that decision. Carole Nailen’s Handbook for All Pet Guardians is a wake-up call for every potential pet owner. More than just a guide, it’s a manifesto—an urgent plea for people to rethink their relationship with their pets, with a focus on compassion, responsibility, and long-term care.
Nailen’s message is clear: pets enrich our lives in ways we can’t even measure. But they rely on us to enrich theirs in return. Whether through her book or her hands-on work rescuing animals, Carole Nailen continues to stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
Published by: Holy Minoza
