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.

Keeping Children, Cats, and Dogs Safe While Living Together

Pets can complete a family. They bring companionship, joy, and stress relief. Pets offer an opportunity to teach children the responsibility of caring for another living thing. A pet can also have a therapeutic effect for children coping with difficulties.

Parents have the ultimate responsibility when deciding to add a pet to the family. Many different kinds of animals are available as pets suitable for children. Cats and dogs are among the most popular family pets. Safety for both the animal and the children has to be a top priority.

Families choosing a cat or dog as a pet usually are attracted to breeds that are characteristically good with families and tolerant of children. It is important for parents to remember that all pets, no matter how easy going the breed, will bite or scratch if provoked enough. Parents must put in place safety measures for the benefit of both the pet and the child.

Babies, toddlers and preschoolers have to be supervised constantly with pets. Children of this age are extremely impulsive and do not understand the consequences to their actions. They pull hair, ears and tails; poke eyes, noses and mouths; and step or jump on legs, tails and bodies. Even the most docile animal who has put up with this treatment before could suddenly bite. Expecting an animal to tolerate this treatment is cruel and abusive.

With children under 5, focus on teaching the child gentle touching.

o Show children how to pet the cat or dog from the neck to the back and stop at the tail. It doesn't feel good for the animal's fur to be ruffed backwards. Also, don't allow the child to pet the tail since his hands could touch the anal area.

o Make a firm rule not to touch the animal's face. This will lessen the chance of the child poking the dog's eyes or the cat's nose.

o Do not allow the child to put her face close to the animal's face. Many animals don't like their space invaded. A dog can snap. A cat can scratch.

o Another rule you cannot waver from is not allowing a small child to pick up the cat or small dog. Hugs can easily turn into strangle holds and the pet may be dropped. Young children should only be allowed to hold a pet when they are sitting.

As children get older, they can be trusted with more independence when in the company of their pets. Even children in the lower elementary grades need to be monitored when playing with their pets. They like to include their cat or dog in their imaginative play and when recreating what they see on television. Children may like to play dress up or bad guy vs good guy shooting games.

Parents need to always take the responsibility for the pet and child's safety. More things to think about for children of all ages include:

o Never, ever allow a child to jump over an animal. The pet may move at the last minute and the child may jump on top of the animal causing serious injury.

o Teach children to allow their pet to get away. This is particularly true for cats. When you see your dog or cat getting up and moving away from your child and she keeps going over to her pet, intervene. This is the pet's message that he doesn't want to play. Also, do not allow your child to chase her pet when it's trying to get away. When an animal feels cornered it can attack.

o Plan ahead and provide your pet with an escape route and safe place to go. Do not allow your child to disturb your pet when in its safe place. For a dog it can be his doghouse or bed. For a cat it can be its cat tree or a back bedroom.

o When animals get older their bodies start getting achy and they can become more temperamental. Parents must protect the elderly pet by restricting access by children if the pet has become less tolerant.

If your cat or dog is not working out as an appropriate family pet, be responsible enough to find him a suitable home. Honestly evaluate whether your cat or dog likes living with the activity and attention of children. If not, find him a home with only adults. Also honestly evaluate whether your family's lifestyle or children's personalities are appropriate for a pet. If you are gone from home all of the time, or if your children are not respectful of your pet's needs, find your pet a more compatible home.

Karen is a mother to 3 children, ages 18, 16 and 6. She has fostered 20 children and still counting. Karen is a special education teacher and uses her talents to parent special needs and drug expoed children in foster care. She also runs a successful online home-based business. http://karenjmiller.info/

Keeping Children, Cats, and Dogs Safe While Living Together

Pets can complete a family. They bring companionship, joy, and stress relief. Pets offer an opportunity to teach children the responsibility of caring for another living thing. A pet can also have a therapeutic effect for children coping with difficulties.

Parents have the ultimate responsibility when deciding to add a pet to the family. Many different kinds of animals are available as pets suitable for children. Cats and dogs are among the most popular family pets. Safety for both the animal and the children has to be a top priority.

Families choosing a cat or dog as a pet usually are attracted to breeds that are characteristically good with families and tolerant of children. It is important for parents to remember that all pets, no matter how easy going the breed, will bite or scratch if provoked enough. Parents must put in place safety measures for the benefit of both the pet and the child.

Babies, toddlers and preschoolers have to be supervised constantly with pets. Children of this age are extremely impulsive and do not understand the consequences to their actions. They pull hair, ears and tails; poke eyes, noses and mouths; and step or jump on legs, tails and bodies. Even the most docile animal who has put up with this treatment before could suddenly bite. Expecting an animal to tolerate this treatment is cruel and abusive.

With children under 5, focus on teaching the child gentle touching.

o Show children how to pet the cat or dog from the neck to the back and stop at the tail. It doesn't feel good for the animal's fur to be ruffed backwards. Also, don't allow the child to pet the tail since his hands could touch the anal area.

o Make a firm rule not to touch the animal's face. This will lessen the chance of the child poking the dog's eyes or the cat's nose.

o Do not allow the child to put her face close to the animal's face. Many animals don't like their space invaded. A dog can snap. A cat can scratch.

o Another rule you cannot waver from is not allowing a small child to pick up the cat or small dog. Hugs can easily turn into strangle holds and the pet may be dropped. Young children should only be allowed to hold a pet when they are sitting.

As children get older, they can be trusted with more independence when in the company of their pets. Even children in the lower elementary grades need to be monitored when playing with their pets. They like to include their cat or dog in their imaginative play and when recreating what they see on television. Children may like to play dress up or bad guy vs good guy shooting games.

Parents need to always take the responsibility for the pet and child's safety. More things to think about for children of all ages include:

o Never, ever allow a child to jump over an animal. The pet may move at the last minute and the child may jump on top of the animal causing serious injury.

o Teach children to allow their pet to get away. This is particularly true for cats. When you see your dog or cat getting up and moving away from your child and she keeps going over to her pet, intervene. This is the pet's message that he doesn't want to play. Also, do not allow your child to chase her pet when it's trying to get away. When an animal feels cornered it can attack.

o Plan ahead and provide your pet with an escape route and safe place to go. Do not allow your child to disturb your pet when in its safe place. For a dog it can be his doghouse or bed. For a cat it can be its cat tree or a back bedroom.

o When animals get older their bodies start getting achy and they can become more temperamental. Parents must protect the elderly pet by restricting access by children if the pet has become less tolerant.

If your cat or dog is not working out as an appropriate family pet, be responsible enough to find him a suitable home. Honestly evaluate whether your cat or dog likes living with the activity and attention of children. If not, find him a home with only adults. Also honestly evaluate whether your family's lifestyle or children's personalities are appropriate for a pet. If you are gone from home all of the time, or if your children are not respectful of your pet's needs, find your pet a more compatible home.

Karen is a mother to 3 children, ages 18, 16 and 6. She has fostered 20 children and still counting. Karen is a special education teacher and uses her talents to parent special needs and drug expoed children in foster care. She also runs a successful online home-based business. http://karenjmiller.info/