| You've finally made the decision. After lengthy | | | | get? |
| discussions as to the pros and cons of owning a pet, | | | | -Is the dog good (patient and trustworthy) with |
| you've decided that the time is right. Your children | | | | children? |
| are no longer infants; they have spent plenty of | | | | -How much exercise and space will it require? |
| quality time with Aunt Trudy's Labrador Retriever, | | | | -Is my backyard fenced so that my dog can safely |
| "Sunny" and her Siamese cat, "Simone". They have | | | | run and play and not escape? |
| played with a neighbor's German Shepherd. Uncle | | | | -Can we afford to take care of a pet? Its food and |
| Fred has brought his Border Collie," Billy" over to the | | | | medical costs? |
| house many times. The kids have also learned about | | | | Once you've determined that you can care for a pet, |
| animal companions and how to care for them in | | | | take the pet you've selected to a veterinarian (ask |
| school where they have turtles, bunnies, gerbils and | | | | pet-owning friends for referrals) for a check-up to |
| hamsters in the classroom. Although the kids love | | | | determine if he's healthy or prone to any health |
| every kind of animal, it seems they are most | | | | problems. Your vet should provide you with a vaccine |
| enamored of the canine variety and want a dog of | | | | and regular exam schedule. Ask him to recommend |
| their own. | | | | the food and diet best suited to your dog's needs. It |
| While the kids have been begging for a dog for a | | | | is a good idea to have your pet tattooed or micro |
| long time (it seems like forever!) you want to make | | | | chipped by your vet as a permanent means of |
| certain that they (as well as you and your husband) | | | | identification should he get lost or stolen. Also, inquire |
| are really ready to assume responsibility for the life | | | | about flea, tick and heartworm prevention and |
| of another living being that will reside in your home. | | | | spaying/neutering. |
| Your little boy is 8 - his sister is 5. You want your | | | | Once you learn that the pet is in good health, make |
| kids to learn responsibility. Still, ultimately you will be | | | | your home dog friendly and safe both inside and out. |
| the primary caregiver and supervisor of your children. | | | | Check the fence to make certain your dog won't be |
| Are you all ready to share this responsibility? | | | | able to escape. Inside, determine where your pet will |
| Before you adopt your new canine, do your | | | | eat and sleep. Provide bedding and separate bowls |
| homework!!! Go on the Internet. Read about and | | | | for his food and water. |
| research the various breeds of dogs that most | | | | Have the family decide on the pet's name, then |
| appeal to you and your family and determine which | | | | purchase a comfortable, secure collar, an identification |
| seem most compatible with your personalities and | | | | tag with his name and your phone number, and a |
| lifestyle. Decide if you want to purchase a dog from | | | | leash. |
| a breeder (make sure he's reputable and has | | | | When your family is ready to take your pet home, |
| references!) or if you'd like to adopt an animal that is | | | | each of you should pet and speak soothingly and |
| in need of a loving home from a shelter or "rescue" | | | | comfortingly to him. As easily and gently as possible, |
| group. | | | | put on his new collar, name tag and leash. Speak |
| There are countless breed specific rescue groups | | | | softly and calmly as you guide and help him into your |
| across the country, which feature purebred | | | | car. Gently pet him. |
| representatives of virtually every kind of dog from | | | | When you arrive home, orient him to his new |
| Mastiffs to Dachshunds. These rescue groups are | | | | surroundings -walk him around your home and |
| easily located on the Internet and commonly feature | | | | introduce him to your back yard while he's still on |
| a gallery of dogs available for adoption along with | | | | leash. Bring him into the house and take him to his |
| details about the animal's age, health and personality. | | | | special "place" - then guide him through your house |
| There are many wonderful, healthy and loving animals | | | | slowly and calmly so that he will become familiar with |
| that have been abused neglected or abandoned and | | | | it. Allow him to experience the "scent" of each room. |
| are in need of loving homes. Too many pets end up | | | | Finally, show him his bed and his special place and |
| in shelters or in rescue organizations simply because | | | | remove his leash. Give him fresh water and talk to |
| their owners lacked sufficient understanding about | | | | and pet him gently. Give him some doggie toys to |
| the breed they selected. Perhaps you can adopt an | | | | play with. Hold him in your lap - cradle him in your |
| animal in need of a home!!! Go together as a family so | | | | arms and welcome him into your family! |
| you can see how each of you interacts with a | | | | So, now, you've completed all your homework. |
| potential adoptee. Most organizations or shelters have | | | | You've read and researched. You've asked the |
| special visiting areas and afford you the opportunity | | | | appropriate questions and received answers to them. |
| to "play" or visit with the animal. Jointly decide which | | | | Your expectations are realistic - And you have finally |
| animal is best suited for your family. | | | | found the dog of your family's dreams. Good job - |
| Before you take the final step of actually purchasing | | | | well done! You and your family are now ready to |
| or adopting a pet, make sure you have asked | | | | enter into one of life's most enjoyable, rich and |
| yourself the following questions: -How much time | | | | rewarding relationships and to experience the |
| does my family realistically have to spend with a pet? | | | | unconditional love and acceptance that only a beloved |
| -How intelligent/trainable is the breed of interest? | | | | companion animal can provide!!! |
| -How well does it get along with other dogs? People? | | | | Congratulations!!! |
| -How large is it, or if it's a puppy, how large will it | | | | |