7 Keys to Successfully Adopting and Living With a New Pet

Most of us know that warm, fuzzy feeling of seeing a puppy or kitten at play. Pet lovers all know that tug at our heartstrings when we visit a Humane Society or animal shelter and see the numerous animals looking at us sadly through their cages. We also know the quiver of our lip when we look on the Internet and view the photos and read the stories of all the pets needing new homes and looking to be placed through the hundreds of pet rescue organizations. Many of us, in turn, respond by adopting a pet or two.   There is little else that lifts one's spirits than to come home from a tough day at work or school and be happily and lovingly greeted by a four-footed friend. If you are thinking of adding a pet to your home, seriously consider adopting verses buying - there are SO MANY animals in need of new, loving homes that are available through animal shelters, ASPCAs, Humane Societies, and rescue groups. Each year, nearly 5 million dogs and cats are euthanized because there are not enough homes. Be a hero - ADOPT!   As you consider adopting a pet, here are seven tips to help insure you and your new pet will spend many happy years together:  

 1.  Don't adopt on a whim - seriously think about this important decision. Consider your lifestyle: do you travel a lot or gone to work for several hours a day? Do you have children, and if so, are they younger or older? Are you really ready for the responsibility of a pet, and if so, what type of pet best fits your family situation and lifestyle? Dogs require a great deal of exercise; cats are more independent-natured, and fish don't shed or whimper when they're lonely.  

2.  Never give a pet as a gift! Your lifestyle may be different from the person you're thinking of gifting with a living creature and that person may not want a pet. NEVER give a puppy, kitten, dog or cat as a gift to a child and expect that child to be the pet's caretaker - things may go along smoothly for awhile, but within a few weeks or a month you as adult parent will be the one taking care of the pet - just accept that fact and if you're okay with it, then adopt a pet as a FAMILY.

3.  Research! Various breeds of dogs, for example, have different personalities and needs; research the many breeds to help find the best fit for your family. Most shed, that's a fact of life, so if you or a family member has allergies, you should look at the breeds that shed the least. Cats also come in a variety of breeds and personalities; maybe one suits you better than another.   

4.  Consider your finances. Pets require annual medical care (vaccinations) and, like people, can develop medical issues due to genetics or accidents. For example, most cats are litterbox-trained at a young age, but later in life they can develop kidney failure and may not use the box as regularly. Medication can help keep the infection at bay, but like all prescriptions, regular medication costs money. You may consider acquiring pet insurance, but that too costs money. Remember: nothing is free, not even a "free pet"!  

5.  Think about the future. Are planning to have a baby in the next few years? Do you think you might be moving soon? The number one reason people give for relinquishing a pet to an animal shelter is "I'm moving". That's a lame excuse - pets can move with you just like children. It may be a bit traumatic on them at first, but they will be fine, just like people eventually adjust to a new home and neighborhood. It is more traumatic for them to be left by their family. If you are a person who would move without your pet or who would consider giving up your pet because of having a baby, it would be best for you to wait and adopt a pet after you are more settled.  

6.  Meet the Newbies! If you currently have pets in your house and are thinking of adding another, make sure the animals currently living in your home have opportunity to meet the new potential four-footed member on neutral ground. It is much better all-around to know the animals won't get along BEFORE bringing the newest member into the household. Most animal shelters provide visiting rooms to which you can bring your current pets in to meet their potential new companion. After you bring your new pet home, be prepared for some jealousy and minor fights as all the animals become accustomed to each other and their place in the household "pack". Sometimes this can take a few weeks or even months.  

7.  Train your pet! Puppies often need to be housebroken, and all dogs need to know the basic commands of sit, stay, come, and no. No pet is perfect, just as no child or adult is perfect. You may want to work with a professional trainer or take your dog to community dog obedience classes or train the pet yourself and learn a bit more right with your new furry friend! Training helps insure safety for your pet and helps your new pet more closely bond with you. Even cats can learn a few things from their human, whether they like to admit it or not! And remember: train lovingly, not harshly! Harshness and cruelty do not bond pets to people - instead, it makes animals fearful - and it's immoral!   Adopting a pet is a wonderful experience, and having a pet in the house makes the dwelling a cozy, warm, and loving home. Our pets love us unconditionally, and, like children, they depend on us for care. Follow the above-mentioned tips and you and your pet will live happily ever after!

Gayle Mansfield Irwin is an author and journalist with a strong background in animal welfare, including work as an environmental and humane educator. She is the author of Sages Big Adventure: Living with Blindness (Xlibris, July 2007), an inspirational book about her blind dog which incorporates the themes of courage, overcoming challenges, and self-esteem. Visit http://www.sagestory.com or http://www.gaylemirwin.com to learn more. Ms. Irwin conducts speaking engagements in elementary schools and libraries with presentations on disability awareness, the pet-human bond, and respect for self and others. She has served as educator and public relations coordinator for the Bozeman, Montana Humane Society, the Casper, Wyoming Humane Society, and as education coordinator for the Grizzly Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana and the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center in Casper, Wyoming. Her journalistic credentials include reporter, editor, and freelance correspondent for several newspapers in the Rocky Mountain region. Provide your child or another dog lover (yourself perhaps!) with Ms. Irwin's unique inspirational book about her blind dog! Testimonial: I received a copy of your book yesterday and read it in one sitting. It was so touching and such a great story about Sage. I loved it! Nadine Van Alstine, Special Education Teacher and Volunteer Coordinator - English Springer Spaniel Rescue, Rocky Mountain Chapter - Colorado.

Pet Adoption - 12 Critical Categories You Must Consider Before Adopting a Pet

Pet adoption is an exciting time in every pet owner's life. As every pet owner knows, nothing is more satisfying than the unconditional love and affection that having a pet can bring. Unfortunately many people do not do the necessary research before they adopt a pet. This leads to more and more animals being abused and abandoned every year.

Below I have listed 12 critical categories one must consider before making the life changing decision to adopt a pet. They are in no particular order but are all equally important. These categories are extensive, going over the "good", the "bad" and the "ugly" when it comes to a specific type of pet that you want. This prevents the future pet owner from looking at pet adoption through rose colored glasses.

1. Personality: Here is where the attitude and temperament are discussed. Does this pet have a tendency towards being destructive? If so could you as the pet owner handle it? Is it laid back or wound up and hyper? Also discussed are various other qualities and traits specific to the pet.

2. Family/Child Friendly: When you are looking for a pet, this is a must have before you go about making your decision. Many people don't take into account whether or not the pet they choose is child friendly because they may not have children at the moment. However, pets these days can live up to 20 years or longer, so if you don't have children now, you may have children in the future within that 20 year lifespan of the pet.

3. Lifespan: As I mentioned above, pets these days can live up to 20 years and even longer, thanks to the advancement of veterinary medicine. Should something happen to you things must be taken care of in the matter of your pet.

4. Weight: The weight category is critical because many people who live in apartments that have weight restrictions on the pets they have, not to mention on what the owner wants. For example, not everyone wants a 250 pound dog! This must be researched carefully so you don't make a mistake of taking the wrong pet home.

5. Common Diseases: Here I go over the good, the bad, and the ugly about what diseases each pet is prone to getting. Not very many people think about the diseases and medical conditions that their new pet can get and how soon they can get them. Some pets have veterinary bills that are extremely expensive. This is a very important category that you must prepare for by having a veterinary expenses budget plan.

6. Housebreaking Factor: Here is where I go over whether or not your pet is easily housebroken. The housebreaking factor mainly applies to dogs, as cats are usually trained by their mother on how to use the litter box. Some dogs housebreak easily, others are more difficult to housebreak. Still other breeds of dog, housebreaking is out of the question.

7. Shedding Factor: The shedding factor however, is another story. If you suffer from allergies, or just don't like the idea of a pet that sheds a lot, then this category can provide you with much needed information in regards to your decision. For example, if you don't want that much shedding, then you don't want to get an Alaskan Husky, whose fur comes out in clumps around once or twice per year. Nothing to be alarmed about, it just happens as a normal part of the breed.

8. Best Owner Compatibility: There are many things to consider when adopting a pet. None of these is more important than you. Yes, that's right. You. What lifestyle do you live? Do you have a job where you work long hours and are hardly ever home? Do you have a job that requires you to travel constantly? Some animals can adapt to the city and suburbs. However, other animals specifically thrive in a rural setting. Animals need lots and lots of attention and this must be taken into consideration. Nothing is more sad than a pet left alone for hours on end because the owner is "too busy" to care for it.

9. Where To Buy: Just where do you plan on getting your pet? Do you want a young pet or would you be satisfied with an older pet? Do you prefer breeders or do you want a pet from a rescue group or animal shelter? Research where you want to get your pet, as its very important!

10. Average Cost: Just how much money do you plan to use to buy your pet? Do you have a modest budget or is the sky the limit? Some pets cost thousands of dollars, so be prepared.

11. Aggression Factor: Does the pet you want to adopt have tendencies towards aggression? This goes beyond just family and child friendliness. Some breeds of pet are better suited for being guard dogs. Others are good watch dogs. Still others don't have a mean bone in their body.

12. Noise Factor: This category is specifically important if you live in the apartment or condo environment. You must be respectful of your neighbors in this type of environment. If one of your neighbors works the graveyard shift and has to sleep all day, the last thing they want to hear is the noise making of a rambunctious pet. You want to have good relations with your neighbors.

Jessica Golden is a Veterinary Technician Student, has been a Pet Identification Specialist since September 2007, and is the owner operator of the website http://www.pet-adoption-guide.com/

Things You Should Consider Before Adopting a Pet

You're thinking about adopting a pet and you are excited about it. You don't know many things about pets, only that they are cute and loving companions. So you go and get Flippy or Daisy and you bring them home. Then you realize that you don't know much about pets and start asking questions. Too late! Questions should be asked before bringing a pet at home. Pet ownership is for a lifetime!

Many people don't have a clue about the responsibilities related with pet ownership. They may have good intentions but they soon realize that having a pet at home is not as easy as they thought it would be and this revelation can often lead to tragedy.

Most people, either children or adults want a pet because they find it "cute" They watch movies, TV shows with adorable baby animals, which by the way are already trained and their desire for a pet is getting bigger. Usually their desire is directed to a puppy or a kitten, (often a specific breed) and finally they bring it at home. Everyone is happy and wants to take the furry little thing in their lap, cuddle it and play with it.

When the issue comes to who's going to take care of it, then the excitement wears off since nobody wants to do it.

People who never had a pet don't have the slightest idea of how it is to take care of one. They think it's easy, put some food and water in their bowls twice a day and that's it. Their new furry friend will be playful and happy whenever they want. After all, how much trouble can a loving little thing cause?

Surprise, surprise!

A pet in your house is like a child in your house. In fact at some point your child grows up and doesn't need your care any more, they become independent and leave your house to live on their own. The same thing won't happen with your pet. Your pet will always be a child that will require your attention and care as long as it is with you. So, there are a lot of things to consider before taking the serious decision of adopting a pet.

Getting a pet is not like buying a car. It's a living creature so if you don't get along it is not easy to get rid of it of change it for something else. When you adopt a pet you become the animal's "parent" as long as it lives. You must keep in mind that, a dog for example has an average life expectancy of 14-15 years. So, for the next 14-15 years or so, it will be your responsibility!

It's like having a baby at home. You can't send it back because it doesn't meet your expectations or because it's different than what you thought it would be. Or can you? I hope not. The same kind of responsibility must be in your minds when you are thinking of getting a pet.

A pet is not a video game. You don't just shut it down when you're finished playing with it and expect it to just sit waiting for you until you decide to come back. Puppies are like young children. They need a lot of sleep but when they are not asleep they are wondering around the house looking for fun! A puppy who's just started growing teeth will find a lot of fun and pleasure in chewing your favourite shoes or slippers. At this point many people start losing their patience and instead of finding a way to divert the puppy's attention to something else, they get rid of it in an animal shelter, or worse they abandon it in the streets. The only crime of the puppy was in fact that it was a puppy! Puppies are not destructive and naughty just because they want to make you furious. It's just what they do. If you are considering of getting one you must rearrange your home first, so the puppy will not have access to things you don't want to be destroyed. Another good idea is buying a lot of chew toys. You can be sure that the puppy will choose them instead of your shoes.

Another important issue to consider is which breed you are fond of and would like to obtain. Every breed has special characteristics and even though you'd love to get a puppy of a certain breed, this may not be the right one for you. There are certain things to consider, for instance will it be easy to train, will it be a shy dog or a hyperactive that will require many walks during the day, will there be any health problems with the breed you chose, etc. You may adore a Labrador or a German Shepherd but if you live in a small apartment, maybe you should reconsider. Large dogs require space to run and play and they'll feel depressed in a confined space. Also some large breeds develop back or hip problems that will require extra health care especially when they are getting older.

Pets also cost money to raise and maintain, just like children do. You must buy pet food, pay several bills to the vet when your beloved friend needs vaccines or medical care, monthly expenses such as heartworm and flea control and maybe grooming bills. You must also remember that you'll have extra costs when you leave for vacation and leave the animal in a pet hotel. My point is, if you're not fully aware of the cost of having an animal, maybe you should reconsider. Of course they worth every penny you'll spend for them and they'll pay you back with their unconditioned love, but still you should know all about it.

Another thing you must consider is neutering-spaying your pet. If you don't plan on breeding it, you must go to a vet and have it neutered-spayed. There are a lot of people who don't like depriving sex from their pet. Don't think like them! It is a fact that if you don't get your pet neutered while being young there will be many problems in the future and most important, health problems. If you don't spay your female dog, it's quite possible to develop cancer in its uterus in later life.

Many male or female dogs become short-tempered and anxious because they are not allowed to mate and this is against their nature.

Some people think that they can solve this problem if they allow their dog to mate at least once. Some others like the idea of having a puppy of their dog before being spayed. I strongly disagree with these tactics. First it is very irresponsible to allow pets to reproduce without control. Overpopulation in pets is a very serious problem. Every year 10-12 million pets are euthanized by shelters because they can't find homes for them. Why would anyone of you want to add to this number? Second, dogs should be neutered-spayed before they sexually mature in order to avoid health problems in the future. If you think I'm lying, just ask a vet..

To make a long story short, if you plan to obtain a pet, be responsible and have it neutered-spayed. You may think that you'll earn money by selling the puppies, if you have a purebred. You must know though that there are no guarantees that you'll sell all the puppies and even if you do, you must consider that, for every puppy you sell, there's one waiting in a shelter somewhere and may die without being adopted.

The dog breeding business, has its responsible professionals but also its lousy ones. There are several puppy mills where the poor animals live in awful, unsanitary and crowded conditions. Many breeders just don't care even a little bit about their health. These breeders mate males and females from the same litter and this can cause several health problems later in the life of the dog. For example many Dalmatians suffer from deafness due to inbreeding.

So, why are you looking so badly for a purebred and you doing not consider getting a mixed breed? They are also very cute and much healthier but still, they are not people's first choice.

Why not adopt a pet from the Humane Society or your local SPCA? At least you can give them a chance even if what you really want is a specific breed. There are several advantages if you adopt an adult dog from a shelter or from one of the many breed-specific rescue operations. You can be sure that you've done a good deed by adopting a pet this way and you've saved it from being euthanized.

Some more useful thoughts...

-Don't ever consider giving a pet as a gift to someone, especially not a child. (Unless the child is yours and you clearly know that you'll be the pet's caregiver) Whoever is going to obtain a pet must do it on his own will and he must have considered everything about raising it.

-Don't bring live chicks or bunnies to your children as Easter gifts. It's cruel, they are small breathing creatures. Chicks grow into chicken, so unless you have a farm you shouldn't even think about buying one.

-Do learn what pet ownership is all about. You must have an idea about the cost, in terms of time and money. Also, a good thing to know is how getting a pet is going to change your style of life.

With all that I've mentioned above you must think that I'm not encouraging pet ownership. On the contrary, I LOVE animals, I have six dogs and two cats and I'm in a position to know what is this all about and speak about the responsibilities that pet owners should face. After all, I'm a pet owner myself. Having a pet is happiness but also means a lot of responsibilities and compromises in your private life. All I'm saying is that you should know all about it before making your decision. Pets may be very cute and sweet but trust me, they hide a lot of surprises, surprises you must be ready to deal with!

What You Need to Know About Adopting a Pet

People adopt pets for various reasons. For instance, pets can give people a sense a security or a companion so they do not feel lonely, or a jogging / walking mate to help them lose weight or... Whatever the reason there are a few things you need to know about adopting a pet. Here they are.

Points to consider Before Adopting a Pet

1. Is the entire family ready, willing and able to take care of a pet?

2. Is the family in total agreement as to type of pet they would like?

3. Does the family know what to kind of pet is allowable?

For first pet owners:

4. Do you understand basic needs of the pet in mind?

5. Are you aware of the expenses involved?

6. Have you considered the possibility of allergies with family members? To test this out you visit places which have your desired pet eg friends, family, shelters and watch for reactions.

7. Have you considered how the children ( if you have any ) might react to different animals? Take them to the places where they can interact with animals and see how they behave - some children may be fearful of animals.

8. Have you thought about your dwelling and where you live? This may have an impact on what pet you consider adopting eg your lease may not allow pets at all or you may be restricted to small caged pets. Small homes and small yards will rule out larger breeds of dog and some dogs may not be suitable for children.

So do your research as adopting a pet is a long term commitment.

Where you can find a pet to Adopt?

You could buy one from a pet store or breeder or alternatively you can search out 'your' pet at a local shelter for a less expensive option.

Shelters have a huge number of pets like cats, dogs and small animals. A large proportion of these are being euthanized each day and so it could be a socially and rewarding way to find your next best friend. However some animals maybe classed as unadoptable due to signs of fear, aggression or other potential problems and are kept at the shelter. But other animals are lucky enough to find a new home forever.

Shelter Rules for Pet Adoption

Before The Visit:

Make sure everyone

1.is in total agreement to the kind of pet, breed and size you are looking for.

2.is aware of proper animal safety rules like approaching an animal correctly ~ a frightened child may equal a frightened pet which could mean trouble.

3. knows what to expect at the shelter as there are a lot of animals and you can only take one.

4. know the shelters policies for taking the pet home. eg will you need to fill out forms and wait for approval or can you take the pet home that night.

While at the Shelter:

1. remind everyone of the rules and make sure children are close to you at all times.

2. walk through and select a short list for a closer inspection on a return look.

3. ask questions of the shelter staff, including known health history, behaviour and anything else that the animal(s) have and make sure the staff know your intentions.

4. if it is allowed visit the selected pet and watch the interactions with family members.

The best adoption shelters in the country will put each pet and potential owner through vigorous examinations before allowing you to take the pet home.

After The Visit:

1. Allow everyone to discuss his or her feelings about the pet in question. Did you like it or do you think there could be a better option somewhere else?

2. Call the shelter staff and tell them of your decision.

If you have decided to adopt there are forms to fill in and fees to pay.

If you have decided against adoption then tell the shelter staff with your reasons why as they can keep your thoughts in mind when showing the pet to the next potential owner. Or if they do not have any suitable pets at the time of looking then leave your name, contact details and description of your ideal pet. Something may pop in soon.

Adopting a pet should be rewarding and it will be, as long as everyone knows what to expect from the start. And if you understand what you need to know about adopting a pet and choose to adopt from a shelter then you will save a life which will hopefully steal your heart forever.

If you are choosing a pet for your child, take a Look Here

If you are interested in Pet safety Rules, take a Look Here

Benefits of Adopting a Pet From a Shelter

Sometimes I get a funny reaction when new acquaintances meet my two dogs, Chewie and Miles. The look of surprise and incredulous response - "You mean she came from the streets? He came from the pound?!"

So many people have the misconception that rescued dogs are less than other dogs. Are children less than other children because they came through the foster home system or are raised in single parent homes? Are the children that come from the "perfect" set of parents better than other children? We can all think of examples of the hard-luck children that make good and the children with everything going for them making a mess of their lives. So why do we assume homeless pets are less than other pets? I'd like to help set the record straight: there are many reasons to adopt a shelter pet.

1) You will Save Money

Adopting a pet from a shelter can cost a lot less than buying a pet at the pet store or from a breeder, especially when taking into account the fees for neutering and vaccination. Beyond the medical care, shelters provide education about how to care for pets, how to introduce your new pet to your other animals, how to deal with behavioral problems, etc., so you also get an entire support system for free.

2) You Will Get a Healthy Pet

Since most shelters give their animals vaccinations, feed them healthy diets, and neuter them before adoption, these pets are happy and healthy. Shelters also pay close attention to the temperament of the animals, in order to match these pets with the most appropriate owners possible. Sometimes pet owners take on pet ownership before they are ready, without proper circumstances or knowledge, or without the necessary commitment, but through adoption these pets get a new chance to find great owners who will commit to keeping them fit and content.

3) You'll Get a Great Companion

Pets really do become our best friends. They make us smile and they love us unconditionally. Owning pets has even been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as helping with loneliness and depression. And all these great benefits have nothing to do with a pet's breeding.

4) You Won't Be Supporting Puppy Mills or Pet Stores

Puppy mills have received a lot of bad press lately, and rightly so. These mills put profits above the welfare of the dogs, which means that the dogs are treated cruelly and often kept in cages. Pet stores buy these puppy mill dogs, and many people who buy from the stores are not aware that they are supporting these horrible places, but by adopting a pet you can be sure that you are actually supporting a great cause for great animals.

5) You are Saving a Life

Sometimes we forget that most of the animals that become homeless are great pets that had less than stellar owners or the owners had to face insurmountable obstacles that made keeping their pet impossible. The circumstances can vary greatly but the bottom line is - rescued pets are wonderful animals that deserve love and a chance to live as much as any pet.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, between three and four million dogs and cats are euthanized each year because people are not able to keep their pets, shelters are not able to house them all, and not enough people adopt animals. By adopting these pets, which have been left by their owners through no fault of their own, we can save them from being euthanized.

It is a common misconception that shelter pets have bad breeding, but do not assume that pound pooches do not have purebred breeding, as often the dogs that breeders cannot sell end up in shelters. If you really want a certain type of dog, you can also check out local rescue leagues that tend to specialize in certain breeds. And do not forget that one of the best adoptions is the older, wiser, already-potty trained pet. Sure, we hear that puppies are more readily accepted by the pets already in the household, but bringing in new older pets is do-able. Very do-able. It just takes a little know-how and patience. If you don't have the patience to acquaint stranger pets to each other then you certainly don't have the patience to raise a puppy.

Unless your purpose for having a dog in your life is to have a show dog, or to produce purebred puppies to sell to worthy pet parents, I strongly believe you should look into adoption from the shelter first. And if you still feel purebreds or breeder dogs are smarter, just take a look around at the great work former shelter pets are doing. Shelter pets have been rescued to go on to do great work for performers, the military, the justice system, and as therapy animals - just to name a few examples. Granted, breeding can help accentuate specific genes for certain desired traits but environment has a lot to do with molding a pet or a person.

When a pet is given love and a chance, MAGNIFICENT things can happen! No matter where they come from.

Janus Moncur - The Co-Creative Coach(TM)- is a Certified Professional Coach specializing in Success Strategies. Janus is the CEO and Founder of Co-Creative Coaching, LLC. She works with individuals as well as groups to define direction, conquer challenges, and navigate transitions on the ride toward re-creating one's personal and professional success. For more information or a free sample consultation session, please feel free to connect with Janus at http://www.theco-creativecoach.com.

Pet Parenthood - Adopting The Right Pet For You!

From Lassie to Rin-Tin Tin, Flicka to Mr. Ed, Winn-Dixie to White Fang, Black Beauty to Garfield, companion animals both in the cinema and in real life have played an important role in our lives. Our animal companions offer us unconditional love, beauty, joy, loyalty, devotion, forgiveness, empathy and comfort. They amuse and entertain us. They comfort and console us. Their presence is soothing and therapeutic and the mere act of petting an animal calms us down. According to numerous studies, pets can decrease our blood pressure, cholesterol levels and even triglyceride levels. They improve our heart rate and decrease loneliness, anxiety, depression and fear. Blood pressure is reduced and resistance to disease is heightened.

They improve our emotional as well as spiritual health and well being. They improve the quality and longevity of our lives. We live in a highly technological and impersonal world with little real contact or communication with others. For many of us, our animal companions are our sole or primary link with the natural world from which we have all evolved. and as such, bring to us the solace, renewal, beauty, respite, refreshment and rejuvenation we receive from contact with Nature. They also help us to recognize what is truly important in life. There is nothing synthetic or manufactured about them - they are genuine and exactly who they appear to be and, in turn, they allow us to be who we really are. They accept us exactly as we are -unconditionally and without judgment or blame.

We learn so much from our animal companions. They serve as our friends, teachers, guides, companions, healers, helpers and beloved family members. Through their companionship we learn spontaneity and to "live in the moment" rather than dwelling on the past or fearing the future. They teach us much about life and death, illness and infirmity and the aging process. Through them, we learn a great deal about selflessness and compassion.

The decision to adopt a pet is life transforming and is, in many ways, similar to adopting a human child. The emotional and spiritual bonds that are forged between a family and their new pet are powerful and profound and last throughout one's entire life. The sentient creature will, more than likely, come to be regarded as a beloved family member, and will require loving care from the beginning of the relationship until the animal's inevitable death. The pet will share many of life's greatest and most significant events and occasions with his new family as well as the daily tasks and routines and vacations and holidays. Many beautiful and meaningful experiences and memories will be created and shared. No one will ever know you better and love you more than this pure-hearted, vulnerable creature...

Before adopting an animal companion and becoming a "pet parent", it is important, in fact, imperative to consider the many obligations and responsibilities associated with incorporating a pet into one's life and home. Among the many factors to be considered before adopting a pet are one's lifestyle - do you have time to take good care of a pet each and every day of the pet's life? Do you work long hours away from home - leaving the pet to his own devices and potential boredom and destructive behaviors? Are you able to provide an environment and "safe space" for your new pet? No matter how much your children want a pet and proclaim their willingness to care for it, are you prepared to supervise and assume ultimate responsibility for the pet's well being and care? Are you prepared to provide a pet with a healthy comfortable space to sleep, healthy and nutritional food, regular exercise? Do you have a budget that can accommodate the spaying and/or neutering of a pet, vaccinations, regular visits to the veterinarian, grooming, proper dental care, toys, crates, bowls, accessories he requires? When you leave town for business or pleasure, do you have a reliable and safe place to board the animal or serve as a pet sitter and caregiver? Do you plan to take your animal companion with you on vacations? If so, you must make certain that they are welcome and well accommodated whether by hotel/motel/ or to friends and acquaintances with whom you may be staying. Can you afford prescriptions and other medications for your animal if the need arises? You must be aware your animal is as susceptible to illness, injury and accident as humans are. Before adopting a pet make certain he is in good health by having a reliable veterinarian check him thoroughly.

Before adopting a pet, make certain you conduct careful research and study the characteristics of the animal you are considering and its needs. Read and visit web sites pertaining to the type of animal you desire and how much care and attention this pet will require and how much time and energy your lifestyle permits to accommodate these needs. Discuss the adoption thoroughly with your family members and make certain each understands his or her own responsibilities in regard to caring for the new pet. Consult with your family and friends or acquaintances who may have a similar pet along with a local veterinarian whom reliable contacts have recommended to you. Word of mouth and referrals can be very helpful.

Find as much information as you can about the amount of time and money required for the care, training and socialization of the pet you are considering. Once you have decided whether to buy an animal from a reputable breeder or to save the life and rescue an animal from a shelter or rescue organization, prepare your home for the new addition. Puppy or kitty-proof your home by removing potential health hazards and by instructing children in particular to be gentle and very careful when holding and interacting with the animal. The need for them to be gentle, kind and compassionate should be heavily emphasized and enforced. By having a pet, children can learn much about compassion, sensitivity, responsibility and respect for all living creatures.

The adoption of an animal companion should never be made in haste or impulsively. Careful thought, consideration and research are the prerequisites of sharing a long, happy, healthy, rich and rewarding life with a loved animal companion! "

DIANE POMERANCE Ph.D. is the author of six highly acclaimed books and numerous articles. She is an internationally recognized pet expert who has been interviewed on countless radio and television programs, newspapers and magazines.

Pet Parenthood - Adopting The Right Pet For You!

From Lassie to Rin-Tin Tin, Flicka to Mr. Ed, Winn-Dixie to White Fang, Black Beauty to Garfield, companion animals both in the cinema and in real life have played an important role in our lives. Our animal companions offer us unconditional love, beauty, joy, loyalty, devotion, forgiveness, empathy and comfort. They amuse and entertain us. They comfort and console us. Their presence is soothing and therapeutic and the mere act of petting an animal calms us down. According to numerous studies, pets can decrease our blood pressure, cholesterol levels and even triglyceride levels. They improve our heart rate and decrease loneliness, anxiety, depression and fear. Blood pressure is reduced and resistance to disease is heightened.

They improve our emotional as well as spiritual health and well being. They improve the quality and longevity of our lives. We live in a highly technological and impersonal world with little real contact or communication with others. For many of us, our animal companions are our sole or primary link with the natural world from which we have all evolved. and as such, bring to us the solace, renewal, beauty, respite, refreshment and rejuvenation we receive from contact with Nature. They also help us to recognize what is truly important in life. There is nothing synthetic or manufactured about them - they are genuine and exactly who they appear to be and, in turn, they allow us to be who we really are. They accept us exactly as we are -unconditionally and without judgment or blame.

We learn so much from our animal companions. They serve as our friends, teachers, guides, companions, healers, helpers and beloved family members. Through their companionship we learn spontaneity and to "live in the moment" rather than dwelling on the past or fearing the future. They teach us much about life and death, illness and infirmity and the aging process. Through them, we learn a great deal about selflessness and compassion.

The decision to adopt a pet is life transforming and is, in many ways, similar to adopting a human child. The emotional and spiritual bonds that are forged between a family and their new pet are powerful and profound and last throughout one's entire life. The sentient creature will, more than likely, come to be regarded as a beloved family member, and will require loving care from the beginning of the relationship until the animal's inevitable death. The pet will share many of life's greatest and most significant events and occasions with his new family as well as the daily tasks and routines and vacations and holidays. Many beautiful and meaningful experiences and memories will be created and shared. No one will ever know you better and love you more than this pure-hearted, vulnerable creature...

Before adopting an animal companion and becoming a "pet parent", it is important, in fact, imperative to consider the many obligations and responsibilities associated with incorporating a pet into one's life and home. Among the many factors to be considered before adopting a pet are one's lifestyle - do you have time to take good care of a pet each and every day of the pet's life? Do you work long hours away from home - leaving the pet to his own devices and potential boredom and destructive behaviors? Are you able to provide an environment and "safe space" for your new pet? No matter how much your children want a pet and proclaim their willingness to care for it, are you prepared to supervise and assume ultimate responsibility for the pet's well being and care? Are you prepared to provide a pet with a healthy comfortable space to sleep, healthy and nutritional food, regular exercise? Do you have a budget that can accommodate the spaying and/or neutering of a pet, vaccinations, regular visits to the veterinarian, grooming, proper dental care, toys, crates, bowls, accessories he requires? When you leave town for business or pleasure, do you have a reliable and safe place to board the animal or serve as a pet sitter and caregiver? Do you plan to take your animal companion with you on vacations? If so, you must make certain that they are welcome and well accommodated whether by hotel/motel/ or to friends and acquaintances with whom you may be staying. Can you afford prescriptions and other medications for your animal if the need arises? You must be aware your animal is as susceptible to illness, injury and accident as humans are. Before adopting a pet make certain he is in good health by having a reliable veterinarian check him thoroughly.

Before adopting a pet, make certain you conduct careful research and study the characteristics of the animal you are considering and its needs. Read and visit web sites pertaining to the type of animal you desire and how much care and attention this pet will require and how much time and energy your lifestyle permits to accommodate these needs. Discuss the adoption thoroughly with your family members and make certain each understands his or her own responsibilities in regard to caring for the new pet. Consult with your family and friends or acquaintances who may have a similar pet along with a local veterinarian whom reliable contacts have recommended to you. Word of mouth and referrals can be very helpful.

Find as much information as you can about the amount of time and money required for the care, training and socialization of the pet you are considering. Once you have decided whether to buy an animal from a reputable breeder or to save the life and rescue an animal from a shelter or rescue organization, prepare your home for the new addition. Puppy or kitty-proof your home by removing potential health hazards and by instructing children in particular to be gentle and very careful when holding and interacting with the animal. The need for them to be gentle, kind and compassionate should be heavily emphasized and enforced. By having a pet, children can learn much about compassion, sensitivity, responsibility and respect for all living creatures.

The adoption of an animal companion should never be made in haste or impulsively. Careful thought, consideration and research are the prerequisites of sharing a long, happy, healthy, rich and rewarding life with a loved animal companion! "

DIANE POMERANCE Ph.D. is the author of six highly acclaimed books and numerous articles. She is an internationally recognized pet expert who has been interviewed on countless radio and television programs, newspapers and magazines.