| It always happens. Every time you see the picture of | | | | might object. Also, if you work late nights, have a |
| a cute little pup or furry little kitten, you 'awww' and | | | | baby, travel a lot or have an erratic schedule, a pet |
| 'oooh' and you just want one! You can't help but pet | | | | might not fit well into your scheme of things. |
| each dog that comes your way while walking on the | | | | What happens if something goes wrong? |
| street and you bring tasty treats for your friend's | | | | What if you get sick or you have to leave the pet |
| pets when you go visiting. Every time a pup licks you | | | | alone? Do you have someone you can count on to |
| or a cat rubs against your leg, you think it's a sign | | | | help you out? Becoming solely responsible for another |
| telling you to get your own. But hold your horses! (or | | | | life is a big decision. You will need some kind of help |
| doggies, or kitties, as you might prefer). Adopting a | | | | (friends, relatives, friendly neighbors) or at least the |
| pet is about a lot more than signs or gut feelings or | | | | financial means to hire such help. |
| even desires. | | | | Will you commit? |
| We're not discounting desire as a factor in bringing | | | | The most important question: Do you think you can |
| home a pet - it is important - but there are other | | | | love, cherish and take care of your pet for as long |
| factors that are much more important. Many owners | | | | as he lives? I repeat - as long as he lives. This is quite |
| have fallen prey to the misconception that the | | | | a responsibility. If you're going to adopt a pet, you |
| 'I-just-saw-him-and-fell-head-over-heels-in-love' feeling | | | | will need to promise yourself that you will take care |
| will see them through the 15 odd years they will | | | | of him to the best of your ability. And taking care of |
| spend with their pets. Adopting a pet is quite a | | | | a pet is quite a task. |
| happy thought. However, it needs to be turned into | | | | If most of these questions make you reconsider |
| reality. You need to give owning a pet a lot of | | | | your decision, don't lose heart. It's all for the best. |
| thought. | | | | Visit any animal shelter and you will notice that most |
| The following points make it easier for you to judge | | | | of the animals are there because their owners didn't |
| if your decision is really sound, read it through and | | | | think of all these questions, got carried away by their |
| answer each point honestly to reach a conclusion. | | | | feelings and took the animal home, only to realize a |
| What's your reason for adopting a pet? | | | | year later that they couldn't handle it. It is a highly |
| Adopt a pet for a reason that will last, since that will | | | | insensitive act - to willingly welcome someone into |
| determine how healthy and enjoyable your | | | | your home and then turn them out - especially |
| relationship will be. Reasons like momentary loneliness, | | | | someone as helpless and innocent as a poor little dog |
| boredom, or curiosity might not be ideal, since these | | | | or cat. |
| conditions will pass. You need a reason that will keep | | | | All these factors are just as important if not more as |
| for many, many years to come. | | | | what 'kind' of a pet you want to have. For instance, |
| Do you have time? | | | | dogs require exercise, some, at least an hour every |
| Having a pet in your house requires a good | | | | day. If you live in an apartment in the city and you |
| investment of time, and it can't be put on a schedule | | | | don't like to walk, this becomes unfeasible. Even a |
| of maybe one hour a day. When your pup is young, | | | | tiny and active little terrier is more suited with |
| you will have to spend a lot of time with him, training | | | | owners who have the time to give it exercise and |
| him and getting him used to your home. When he | | | | play with it. But don't think a cat is any easier... well it |
| falls sick, you'll have to be by his side. And, you | | | | is, since you don't have to walk them, but they do |
| should give them this time gladly, not just out of | | | | need play time, and attention, and although they |
| obligation. | | | | have this reputation of being independent, they crave |
| Can you afford it? | | | | company and they need it to be healthy and happy. |
| Adopting a pet doesn't just involve the cost of | | | | Welcoming a pet into your house and your life can be |
| adoption fees. Taking care of a pet comes along with | | | | one of the most enriching experiences you ever |
| a series of expenses - good food, grooming, hygiene, | | | | have. However, thinking it through is very important. |
| toys, changes to your house, regular vet visits, | | | | When you bring a pet home, it's just as having a |
| medication, and what not. | | | | baby - every decision you make thereon affects you |
| What is you lifestyle? | | | | and your pet in equal measure. It's a living being who |
| Do you live in a place where you can share space | | | | you will share a good part of your life with... but oh, |
| comfortably with a pet? If you live in a condo you | | | | what a fulfilling life it will be. |
| might feel cramped and your neighbors or landlord | | | | |