Paw’s Corner: Cigarettes, pets don’t mix

Dear Paw’s Corner: My father, a committed smoker, lives on his own in a small apartment. He has one pet, a budgie. I don’t think it’s appropriate for smokers to keep pets because the animals don’t have a choice in being exposed to secondhand smoke, and I urged my father to either quit smoking or give the bird away. He got angry and hasn’t called or asked me over in three months. How can I get him to stop harming himself and his pet? — Nadia C., San Diego

Dear Nadia: Some thorny issues are being raised here. One, your father’s “committed” smoking habit is a choice he has made, and something he personally must deal with. Two, the secondhand smoke may be harming the health of his pet budgie. Three, he probably cares very much for his pet and wouldn’t consider just giving it away.

Anyone, including myself, who has dealt with a family member who smokes knows that confronting that person can be difficult — and can lead to strife. Remember that it is the smoker who must make the choice to stop smoking, and that stopping is very difficult, thanks to the addictive qualities of cigarettes.

A gentle approach is necessary. First, you will need to apologize for suggesting that he give the bird away. Second, rather than argue with your father about his habit, tell him that you love him and you want many more years to spend with him — and that you are concerned that his smoking will take away those years. Third, offer to purchase an air filter to keep in the room near his pet, and to help in any way you can to keep the bird healthy.

Most dedicated pet owners, regardless of what they do to themselves, will go the extra mile for the pets they love. Show your father you’re willing to do the same.