Helping Children Cope With Pet Loss - 3 Tips to Help Infants and Children Up to Three Years

The subject of death and dying can be a very challenging topic for a parent to help a child understand. When a family pet dies, this is usually the first time a child has experienced death. Infants and children up to age three will probably not understand what the death of a pet means, but, can easily pick up the unease, stress, and emotions other family members are feeling.

How a child sees others nearby handle a pet's death will have long term consequences of their view of death and dying. It is okay to show your feelings of pain and sorrow by crying, but, the feelings should be controlled, and viewed as a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one. A good approach is to be honest about describing the finality of death, and to use the words "death and dying."

In helping children cope with a pet loss, it is important to recognize that a child does not have enough experience in life to fully understand the concept of death. A simple explanation stating that the pet has died and will not return, is all that is really needed. The child should be reassured that nothing he/she said or did contributed to the death. A child may show signs of regressing such as a return to thumb sucking or have a temper tantrum. Some may have a nightmare or express fear that their parents will also die. These are all normal reactions to something that is unknown and new.

The following three tips can give ideas on how to handle a pet's death with children up to age three:

1) reassure the child by embracing and hugging him/her

2) try to maintain the day to day normal household routine

3) consider replacing the pet as a child in this age range can generally welcome a new pet quite readily

When there is a death of a pet and children are involved, special tact should be made to help them understand what is going on and that it is alright to cry and be upset.

Deborah A. is an animal lover with a special interest in helping others cope after the loss of a pet. Are you trying to move past the grief of your pet's death? CLICK HERE [http://www.petlosshelp.info] or go to: [http://www.petlosshelp.info] to get more tips and relief in coping with your pet loss.

Pet Obesity - Are We Killing Our Pets?

Obesity was once only considered a condition affecting the health of adult men and women, who for some reason or another, didn't take care of themselves properly. Statistics indicate that the severity of obesity has far more reaching implications than impacting on basic fitness quality. Obesity kills approximately 280 000 adults in the US alone.

This would be an alarming concern on its own, but research has proven that obesity also affects children. A survey has revealed that the rate of childhood obesity has grown rapidly in recent times with 4.2% of children aged between 6 and 11 years of age in 1963 to a staggering 17.5% in 2004. (CDC.gov.) In reflection one might even determine that these statistics are not completely surprising given that children today are not performing the same physical activities as they were in the 1960s. This is true.

The roles of domestic animals have also changed through the years. At one time it was considered an affluent novelty to care for a pet in the home, especially if the animal did not perform some necessary task on the property. Latter as companion pet ownership became more usual the job of the pet typically changed to involve more "play time", accompanying the children as they ran and played, or being a companion to its master in the duration of daily events. Then being rewarded at the end of a long days "work" with a hearty meal (it is strongly recommended that dogs should be fed two smaller meals a day, and even skipping 1 day a week).

As the usually daily tasks of our lives have changed, so have the duties of our four legged companions. As with humans pet obesity has become a major health issue. An estimated 25-40% of dogs in the United States are obese (*1). Pet obesity is not an issue involving dogs alone, cats and all domestic pets are at risk from this potentially fatal condition.

Pet obesity is a major health concern. Overweight pets suffer more physical ailments and do not live as long as animals of recommended weight. Obesity often reduces a pet's enjoyment of life. Health risks associated with weight gain include: Heart and respiratory disease, diabetes, liver disease, joint diseases such as arthritis and spinal disc problem just to name a few

As with humans the lack of physical activity is not the only contributing factor to health issues related to obesity in our pets. There are in fact a number of causes, and indeed a number of ways we can works towards in improving the quality of life for our companions.

Our first question should be "are we killing our pets with kindness". Diet plays a significant role in contributing to pet obesity. While we should consider physical activity as a changed circumstance over the years, we should also consider reevaluating the food we feed our pets.

Instead of examining the changed daily routine of our pets, and altering their diets to suit. We have either neglected to serve an appropriate diet, or over compensated for physical activity with the issuing of treats often with little or poor nutritional quality.

While we are well aware that fast food is bad for our kids, few of us realize that fast food is also bad for our pets. You might be wondering what fast food for pets is. Simply fast food for pets is a tin of dog food. Take the time to read the label on a tin of manufactured dog food and you will discover that it is packed with processed this and processed that and a whole variety of weird and wonderful additives.

Not all tinned foods are the same; surprisingly many of the more expensive and well known labels are not ideal. I am sure my children will eat heartedly if I fed them McDonald's every night, but I certainly would not do this simply because it is not good for them.

There are many good quality pre-prepared pet foods available on the market that do contain good healthy ingredients. Shop for your pet with the same concern you would when you shop for the human members of the family.

Alternatively preparing your own healthy meals from fresh ingredients is surprisingly a cheap and easy option.

Keep in mind that treats are just that, treats!

And my favorite health routine for both myself and my pet, make time. A walk or play each day will not only improve your pets health, it is just what the doctor ordered for you also. A daily walk or play will improve health and wellbeing of mind body and soul for you both.

(*1) Wolfsheimer, KJ. Obesity. In: Ettigner SJ, Feldman EC. , editors. Textbook of veterinary internal medicine. 5th edition. WB Saunders Company; Philadelphia (PA): 2000.

Lauren a.k.a "The Pet Steps Lady" loves pets and is concerned about their health in today's world. She helps injured, elderly, and post-surgical pets with her quality dog and cat steps [http://www.allpetsteps.com/PetSteps_s/2.htm] and is now looking to reach out to help those pet owners who have overweight and obese pets. Lauren is the proud owner of her dog Mollie B, her cat Pumpkin, and the newest addition to her family kitten Kingston.

Choosing a Pet? Things to Consider Before Choosing a Pet

First, lets think about why we are thinking about choosing a pet. Is it because the children have been bugging your forever to get a new puppy or kitten? This is something most know but I feel I have to say it again just for the few that have not had the experience. Your children begging you to choose a pet is not, in itself, a good reason for getting one. Children need to be old enough and mature enough to care for the pet puppy as an example.

Consider whether you have time for a pet. They look to you for their food, water, veterinary treatments and love. If your children cannot or will not care for the pet, do you have time to do it. Did you know that in over half of households the female spouse or family member ends up taking care of the family dog or pet.

Now this is pretty much common sense but you should think about whether you are allowed to have a pet where you currently reside. Check the regulations if your are a tenant. If pets are allowed are you prepared for the extra amount of deposit money that will be required. Are you prepared for the carpet cleaning necessary when you move? These an other questions should be considered if you are a renter.

How many years are you willing to commit to this new pet? A pet can be a lifelong commitment depending on how old you are when you choose a puppy or other young pet. Personally I had a Dachshund that was with us for 17 years. Cats can live from 10 to 20 years subject to certain medical issues. Other pets like horses, turtles, parrots and other types of birds can live quite a bit longer even 30 to 40 years.

None of us have a crystal ball so we do not really know when we will get married, get divorced, relocate sometimes to another country, have children or maybe have grandma move in with us, you know, the one that hates animals. Do your best to look into the future to where a pet will fit in. Once adopted your pet becomes part of the family or to him, the pack. Later separation is hard on everyone.

If you should decide to choose a puppy or any type of young pet please know that younger animals require a lot more time to learn the ropes than adult dogs do. Plus, younger animals, especially dogs, do not appreciate being left alone. This is one way separation anxiety develops.

Younger animals need to be taught how to behave in the family or the pack. This cannot completely be done if the house is empty all day. Just as with children, traits developed at the younger ages are traits that stay with them most if not all of their lives. Proper training and interaction at the younger age will pay great dividends immediately and in later years.

Believe it or not there are many more considerations when choosing a pet. Those I will touch on in a different article. For now let me leave you by strongly suggesting that you make the decision about choosing a new pet a family decision.

Bill Beavers is with http://www.CarryMyDog.com and looks forward to your visit to this informative website. We know you will benefit from the information you will find there. You will find top quality dog crates, pet carriers, pet strollers, dog harnesses, pet playpens and much more. Deep discounts on many products. http://www.carrymydog.com is a valid starting place for improving your pet's quality of life and simplifying yours. All the best...

Tools For a Child Grieving the Loss of a Pet

As the mother of two very curious young children, I often find myself in the difficult position of answering my now 4-year old son's questions about death, heaven, the cemetery up the road, etc. It's been a real struggle for me. I want to be, most importantly, honest with him, but I don't want to scare his literal mind either. For instance, when he first asked me what the cemetery was, I was hesitant to tell a 3-year old that people get buried in the ground. At the same time, it's also quite easy to fall into the trap of underestimating children's intelligence.

I feel that I've slowly been learning that it's okay to not have an answer either. I don't really know what heaven is like or where it actually is. How do you explain what a soul or a spirit is to a child? About a week after not really being able to explain some of these things to my son, my husband got a GREAT laugh when my son informed him that "mommy really doesn't know very much." I have to admit that I laughed too. Okay, we both laughed really hard.

I try to remember back to when I was 4 and lost my mother to breast cancer. I'm told that while I was at my Grandmother's house with my Great Aunt Kate, while the rest of the family was at the funeral, that I told my Great Aunt Kate that my mommy went to heaven on a couch on wheels. I'm guessing that this came from the fact that she was laying on the couch resting at home 90% of the time, and that I saw her in the hospital on a bed on wheels. My little mind put all of these elements together and sent her to heaven. It was the resolution that I was able to come up with to comfort myself.

Often a child's first experience with death is when a pet dies. So how we help them handle that and memorialize the pet becomes really, really important. Here are a few tips to help you through this.

1. Be honest. It isn't necessarily easy, but it is more helpful to the child in the long run.

2. Take a piece of paper and fold it in half. On one side of the paper, draw a picture of your family before you lost your pet. On the other side of the paper, draw a picture of your family after you lost your pet. It's helpful to share your picture with someone who will understand. Ask them to just listen as you and your child explain it to them.

3. It really helps to talk about feelings, instead of bottling it all up inside. Have someone who loves your child (a grandparent, sibling or friend) ask them the following questions:

a. My favorite thing to do with my pet was . . .

b. The naughtiest thing that my pet ever did was . . .

c. The funniest that my pet ever did was . . .

d. What I miss most about my pet is . . . .

e. If I could talk to my pet, I would tell them . . .

4. Attempt to explain that the spirit or soul of their pet will always be with them. This can be very comforting to a child. They might not quite understand what that means right away, but they will think about it and try to make sense of it.

Talking about their feelings is the best way to help children to work through their grief. It is important to keep gently opening the lines of communication with them, to continue try to keep them talking. In addition, there are other very effective ways of helping children to express their feelings - through art, music, dance and simply playing.

It is very important for children to be supported in adapting to their loss. Sometimes it's appropriate to focus on getting a new cat, dog, rabbit or horse right away, and sometimes it's better to wait. Have a conversation with your child to see what they would like to do. It should be a family decision with everyone's input.

Always be honest regarding the death of a pet. You do not have to discuss all the details, but the child needs to understand what's going on. A child will find out the truth in the end and may become less trusting of the parent or feel betrayed if not told the truth. The child should be able to participate in the arrangements. If your pet is to be buried, the child should be given the option to be there. Burying your pet without the child's knowledge can, again, make the entire grieving process more difficult, and make the child less trusting at a time when he really needs them.

If at all possible, prepare the child ahead of time for the death. Mementos can be very important for children, and they may want some pictures with their pet, a plaster cast of your pet's foot, etc.

Creating some kind of ritual will be very helpful, and not just to your kids. Rituals are vital to human beings. We create them around everything in our lives - births, weddings, graduations, and certainly around death. Surely, in the case of a death, ritual creates the support that the living need to grieve and say good-bye - this becomes even more important with kids. Kids don't have that button inside that says with pets we're "supposed" to be okay when they die. They just know that their pet is their friend, and part of the family - and the space they leave is palpable.

Creating loving rituals and memorials (as found on http://www.Peternity.com) to mark the death of a family pet can make all the difference in the grieving process, and it can be a tool that the child takes with them and uses to help process loss and grief their entire lives.

Colleen Mihelich
Owner, Peternity . . . honoring your pet for eternity
http://www.peternity.com
colleen@peternity.com
877-PET-PEACE

Five Things to Consider When Choosing an Exotic Pet

Owning a pet can be a great extension to your family situation, whether it be a kitten, dog or something else. Some people like the thought of owning a pet which is a little bit out of the ordinary like a snake, gerbil or Madagasca hissing cockroach. Exotic pets like those three examples come in all shapes, sizes and habitats. If you would like to own an exotic pet then you need to look at these five things to consider when choosing an exotic pet.

!. What kind of pet owner are you?

You may be a person who likes a pet you can interact with and pick up, hold and cuddle. Or you may be a person who likes to just watch and observe a pet without much physical contact.

2. What are the needs of the pet?

Exotic pets need a whole range of different habitats and space requirements depending on the pet type. Therefore you have to consider if they would comfortably fit in your home space. These pets have varying degrees of expense to cater for their needs, so choose a pet which you can afford. Some exotic pets may not be able to live in your area and so this needs to be checked out when considering a purchase.

3. Does this pet fit into your lifestyle?

You need to ask yourself this question to every pet you are considering having taken account the above details. You can write a list of possible choices, of which there are many, and put a tick or cross by them depending on your thoughts. You will end up with a short list.

4. Is the pet suitable for small children?

You need to look at you family make up and decide if the pet is actually suitable for all members especially small children. You need to take note of the pets which are dangerous, the pets that are interactive or not very interactive and so on. Write the information beside the pet choices on your short list.

If you have very young children then a good exotic pet starter could be a tank full of fish and other dwellers. These creatures are great to observe as the swim around and make use of any fish tank accessory which may be around for them. And they require a minimum amount of care for them to be healthy and happy, which could be a good thing as young children seem to take up lots of your time. And you do not need to spend huge amounts on the tank, although if you are keen then there are plenty of fish and fish related products you can purchase.

5. Have you found out enough information?

You need to find out as much information as possible with regards to your likely short listed candidate or candidates. You can get information and advice from the internet, your local veterinarian and legal, knowledgeable dealer. You need to know what to expect from the creature and if your local vet ia able to deal with it or them. The vet and pet dealer should be able to give you good advice.

After considering the above points, have you narrowed your choice of exotic pet to one?

Maybe you are still unsure of whether you really want to go for exotic pet type or the standard cat or dog. Take a look at this to help in your decision making.

Whatever your choice I am sure you are interested in getting a safe pet for your family situation

Are Ferrets Good Pets For Children?

People prefer to have ferrets at home since they are very adorable and pleasing. However, over the years, there have been so many misconceptions regarding the safety of the house when a ferret is present. There may even be stories which tell you that a baby can be seriously injured or even killed when left in the presence of a ferret.

However, much understanding of their behavior is truly needed for you to realize that it only takes responsibility and dedication to take care of your ferret. Also, given that you have children in your family, then it only entails you to further train your pet ferret into becoming a best friend to your children.

It is known that most ferret owners are indeed responsible individuals. Since unlike other animals, ferrets may have different needs especially when it comes to their nutrition and activities. It is therefore a requirement for owners to know exactly how to take care of them. In addition, given the proper care and training, indeed ferrets can make good pets even with children.

Aside from ferret proofing your house, you should also give them the appropriate opportunities for exercise, training and attention. However, the question remains if indeed ferrets are good with children. It is already known that ferrets do bite and at times even cause injuries when their bite becomes too rough. So, if you want have children at home and you want to own a ferret, then it is advisable for you to be thoroughly careful with the two aspects. Especially if you have infants at home, then it is required for you ¬to take additional precaution when it comes to taking care of them. Always remember not to leave them alone unattended. Always supervise their play so as to make sure that your ferret will do no harm to your child.

It is also advisable that you train carefully your ferret. Not only train him with regards to his cleanliness around the house but also train him to be more aware of his surroundings. Although it may take up a lot of time, it is best to train your ferret not to bite and let him realize that biting actually hurts you and your children. This way, even if your ferret is playing with your children, you are content that he may do no harm to them.

However, much older children who can already be gentle and aware of their surroundings can definitely be in close contact with your pet ferret. It may even come to a point that they are truly enjoying each others company. Although, make sure that your children are already aware how to take care of your ferret. Some children have the tendency to be rough on animals especially if they are as small as ferrets. So to prevent such things in happening, you can teach your children the proper way of handling ferrets and even teach them how to train them. This way, they will be able to understand just how much important it is to take good care of ferrets. In turn, it will not lead to any accidents or injuries for both your children and your ferret.

Jeff Ritter is the owner of Pet Ferret Center, and thrives on teaching others how to properly care for their pet Ferret. For more information on ferrets good pets [http://www.petferretcenter.com/ferrets-good-pets] visit our site which contains valuable information on how to care for and train your pet ferret.

For a FREE 15 part mini-course on "The Secrets To Training & Caring for your Pet Ferret!" go to [http://www.petferretcenter.com]

Finding a Pet That Meets Your Needs and Lifestyle

The key to enjoying the healthiest and most satisfying relationship with a pet is realistically choosing one whose needs are most compatible with your lifestyle. It's easy to fall in love with a cute puppy or kitten you might encounter, but the realities of pet responsibilities may present unforeseen challenges. Determining what type of pet is right for you is the first step to settling into a fulfilling life with a fuzzy new friend. Learn how to make an educated decision about pet ownership, and start reaping the many benefits of animal companionship!

Finding a pet that meets your needs and lifestyle Pets are treasured as members of the family by millions of people around the world. Numerous studies have shown that people who have pets tend to be happier, more independent and feel more secure than those without pets. But what type of pet is best for you? You'll benefit most from having a pet whose needs are compatible with your lifestyle and physical capabilities. Lifestyle considerations that influence your choice in a pet

- Little outdoor activity - If most of your time is spent at home, consider pets that would be happy to stay with you in that environment. You may enjoy playing with or cuddling a cat or a bunny; watching fish or reptiles; or talking or singing along with a bird.

- High activity level - If you're more active and enjoy daily activities outside of your home, especially walking or running, a dog might be right for you. Canine companions thrive on outdoor exercise, keeping you on the move. Plus, the social element of doggie outings encourages interaction with other people you meet along the way.

- Small children and the elderly - Families with small children or elderly living in their homes should consider the size and energy level of a pet. Puppies and kittens are usually very active, but delicate creatures that must be handled with care. Large or rambunctious dogs could accidentally harm or knock over a small child or adult who is unsteady on their feet.

- Other animals in household - Consider the ongoing happiness and ability to adjust of the pets you already have. While your cat or a dog might love to have an animal friend to play with, a pet that has had exclusive access to your attentions may resent sharing you.

- Home environment - If a neat, tidy home, free of animal hair, occasional muddy footprints and "accidents" is important, then a free-roaming dog or long-haired cat may not be the best choice. You may want to choose pets that are confined to their quarters, such as fish, birds, or a turtle/

- Landscaping concerns - With certain pets, your landscaping will suffer. Many dogs will be tempted to dig holes in your lawn, and dog urine can leave yellow patches - some say unaltered females cause the most damage.

- Time commitment - Finally, and perhaps most importantly, keep in mind that you'll be making a commitment that will last the lifetime of the pet - perhaps 10, 15, or 20 years with a dog or cat; as many as 30 years or more with a bird. Choosing between a dog or a cat. Dogs and cats are the most common household pets. While on occasion, you'll see someone walking a cat on a leash or a dog that uses a litter box, typically the needs and natural behaviors of dogs and cats are different:

If you have trouble deciding whether to choose a dog or a cat, consider the old adage: A dog will be delighted to serve you; a cat will consider you its servant.

Choosing the perfect dog

If you've decided a dog is the right pet for you, you have another important decision to make: what kind of dog? There are a number of factors to consider. One size doesn't fit all What size dog fits your lifestyle? Even though it seems logical that a smaller dog would be happier than a larger one in an apartment or a condo without a yard, that isn't necessarily true. All dogs do need daily exercise and outdoor activity, but some need more than others. For example, oversized Newfoundlands actually prefer lounging around home and taking leisurely walks. And the tiniest of terriers can be extremely rambunctious and need lots of exercise and outdoor stimulation.

Puppy or mature dog?

There's no denying that puppies are adorable, but along with the cuteness comes added responsibility. Puppies require more time and attention for housetraining and behavior training, which may include patiently tolerating "accidents" and chewing phases. For these reasons, people who don't have time to meet a puppy's needs or prefer not to deal with training, often decide to adopt an older dog. Additionally, small children or elderly adults in your family may not have the patience or ability to manage a puppy's exuberance. Purebred or mixed breed dogs Another choice may be between a purebred or mixed breed. Some people prefer purebred dogs because they enjoy participating in dog shows, or are drawn to the "look" or characteristics of a particular breed. Other people prefer mixed breed, "one-of-a-kind" dogs. Adopting a dog that needs a good home, whether it's a puppy or mature dog, can be very rewarding. Some people say adopted dogs exhibit a special bond and appreciation for their owners. Whichever type of dog you prefer, there are advantages and disadvantages to consider:

Matching a dog's "happiness factors" with your own There are over 150 different types of purebred dogs, and an exponentially larger number of mixed breeds. You can narrow down your choices by realistically matching a dog's "happiness factors" with your own. Hang around dog parks and talk to other dog owners. They can give you clues as to whether a certain type of dog will be happy with what you are able to provide. Keep in mind that dogs were originally bred to serve specific functions. Kennel Clubs have divided dog breeds into seven different groups, based on those origins:

1. Herding dogs (Collies, Old English Sheepdogs, Australian Shepherds) thrive on a farm with animals to herd. To be happy and well-adjusted in an urban setting they need lots of exercise, a job to do, or to be involved in a sport such as agility or obedience.

2. Hounds (Beagles, Bassets, Greyhounds) naturally track other animals - and humans - by smell or sight. Sight-driven dogs move quickly, their speed and stamina making them difficult to catch if they get away from you. Smell-driven dogs move more slowly, but are prone to wander off to track a scent. They can be very vocal, howling or baying.

3. Non-Sporting dogs (Chows, Dalmatians, Poodles) seldom serve their original purposes - for example, Poodles hunted truffles, and Dalmatians were "coach dogs". Non-sporting dogs are popular family companions when their individual activities levels and needs are a good match for those of family members'.

4. Sporting dogs (Pointers, Retrievers, Setters, Spaniels), bred to dash around all day finding land and waterfowl for their masters, are active, alert and require daily, invigorating exercise. They like to be around people, getting lots of attention. Labrador and Golden retrievers, both members of the Sporting group, are two of the most popular family pets.

5. Terriers (Westies, Fox Terriers, Wheatons) are energetic, tenacious, brave and determined... and they love to dig! Developed to hunt and kill rodents and foxes that raided farms, terriers are a feisty breed. Quite independent, they're difficult to train. Although they can be friendly, loyal and stable pets, some may be "yappy" and will nip boisterous children.

6. Toy dogs (Cavalier King Charles, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers) are bred as companions - they only want to be with you! But even lapdogs need exercise. Small and fragile, they can be excitable and yappy, and can easily get under foot. Children and the elderly must take extra care around them. Loyal and intelligent, they love to learn tricks.

7. Working dogs (Akita, Boxer, Doberman, Great Dane, Newfoundland) are born to "work" at a specific physical job, whether it be guarding, hauling, rescuing or sledding. Many are not ideal as family pets, but can be with proper socialization and obedience training. Independent, strong willed and physically overpowering, they must be kept under control and gets lots of appropriate exercise. Where to find the dog of your dreams

Once you've narrowed down your choices, where do you find the dog of your dreams? Purebreds are usually obtained through breeders, pet shops, and breed specific rescue groups, although they can also be found at animal shelters. Mixed breeds are abundant at shelters and rescue groups. You'll have a very different experience when visiting each of the sources for your new dog.

Breeders

Breeders are the place to look for a purebred dog, as well as "designer" mixed breeds, such as Labradoodles (Labrador Retriever/Poodle mix). Responsible breeders will encourage you to visit their facilities - often a home - to meet and interact with their dogs. Reputable breeders want to make sure that their animals are a good match with the people purchasing them and that they will be living in a healthy, loving environment. Advantages: You'll get to meet the parents of the puppy, and get a health guarantee, instructions for care and follow-up advice on training and behavior problems. Disadvantages: Can be costly. If animals are confined to cages, conditions are unsanitary, and many different breeds are produced, the breeder may not be reputable.

Pet shops

Pet shops that sell dogs usually keep them in individual cages or in a confined area, but will often allow you to handle and play with animals you are considering purchasing. By doing so you get a sense of whether the animal is healthy, engaging and playful. Unfortunately, some pet stores get their dogs from "puppy mills" (breeding facilities that churn out purebred puppies with improper care, and inbreeding, often leading to health and development problems in the animals). One warning sign is if the young pet shop animals are extremely shy, anxious or fearful. Pet shops usually won't admit it if their pets do come from a puppy mill. Advantages: Offer purebred dogs with "papers" and health guarantees. Disadvantages: Often highly expensive. You also may not know the puppy's origins.

Rescue organizations

Rescue organizations literally rescue "homeless" dogs. Many come from animal shelters. Although some rescues have facilities where the animals are housed, most shelter their dogs temporarily in foster homes, at boarding facilities or veterinary offices. In these places the animals are screened and observed for health and behavioral problems. Rescues hold adoption events, usually on weekends, to give the public opportunities to meet available dogs. Some rescues have websites with photos and descriptions of their animals. Advantages: The health and behavior of dogs are screened; rescues may know if the dog is friendly with kids, other animals, strangers, etc. Adoption fees (donations) vary from nominal to costly. Disadvantages: A rigorous screening process of the prospective adoptee, and an adoption agreement/contract, are often required.

Animal shelters

Animal shelters are funded and operated by a city, county, or a private organization (usually nonprofit).. Shelters are a wonderful place to find an adult dog - and sometimes puppies are even available. Visiting an animal shelter can be depressing, with so many dogs kept in less-than-ideal conditions and confined in cages because of budgetary constraints and overcrowding. Many of the animals, fearful and in shock, will not exhibit exuberant personalities. But shelters can be a treasure trove of unpolished gems. Usually time can be spent with dogs outside of their cages, giving them an opportunity to show you how much love they can give. Advantages: Nominal adoption fees; spaying/neutering and vaccinations are often included. Volunteers often assess dog's behavior and friendliness with other animals and people, and may be available to assist if problems arise after adoption. Disadvantages: Shelters offer no health guarantees; the history of the dog's previous care and treatment is often unknown.

At [http://www.goldendaysremembered.com] we understand all pets.