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So you’ve
decided to get a pet? Congratulations!
The right pet can add lots of joy and
happiness to your life. Numerous studies
indicate that owning a pet can improve
our psychological and physical well
being (with comparable benefits for the
pet as well). The right pet/owner match
is a win-win situation. But, as most
things, preparation and planning is key.
Before you take that first step, stop
and think- exactly what kind of pet is
right for you? That adorable puppy or
kitten may be pleading with their eyes-
“Take me home, now, please” but before
you do, consider the following: |
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What are
you really looking for?
Dogs, cats, and birds can form a
meaningful pet-owner bond, while other
types of pets can be considered
“spectator” (i.e. aquarium fish). Ask
yourself some questions, and do some
research on the internet. Gather
information- the more you know, the
better! |
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How much
time can you realistically devote to
caring for a pet?
More than feeding, this can involve
grooming, training, and spending quality
time with the animal. Quality time can
mean playing, going for walks, or just
hanging out on the couch- the keyword
here is TIME. Do you work long hours or
travel a lot? Dogs in particular need
lots of attention, and most don’t do
well if left alone for long stretches of
time.
Are you willing to make a lifelong
commitment?
This is really important. Dogs and cats
can live 10-15 years or more. It’s
heartbreaking to see older animals put
up for adoption or worse, turned over to
a shelter, because the owner’s situation
changed and they could no longer care
for their pet. It can be very difficult
to find a loving home for an older
animal……sometimes impossible. The pet
you bring home depends on you for their
very life, for the rest of their life!
Do you have the financial resources
to properly care for the pet?
Pet needs involve much more than just
food and shelter. Dogs and cats, and
many other types of pets require routine
grooming and veterinary care to keep
them healthy throughout their lives.
Just like people, they have accidents
and get sick. As an owner, you’re
responsible for giving the animal the
care it needs.
Those in Favor…
Are all involved parties in agreement
about this? It’s never a good idea to
get a pet as a surprise gift for someone
else- don’t do it! Along the same lines,
don’t bring a pet home on an impulse.
Stop, take a breath and give yourself
distance and time to reflect- is this
the right thing to do? Is it in
everyone’s best interests (including the
animals)?
What about the future?
Where do you expect to be 5 years down
the road……….. 10? Is marriage and
children still on the horizon? Or do you
have kids who will be off to college
before you know it leaving a senior dog
or cat behind? Owning a pet is for life,
even when your life changes.
I’ve owned dogs and cats my whole life-
my life is so much richer as a result
and I can’t imagine being without them.
From volunteering with animal rescue
groups, I’ve seen firsthand how getting
the right pet at the right time can make
all the difference between delight and
disaster. Pets have so much to give us,
its only right that we give back in
return, and responsible pet ownership is
the cornerstone of that relationship.
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About
the Author
Pamela Fitzpatrick lives in Sayville
with her family (which of course
includes pets). She has a Masters
degree in Animal Behavior, and is the
Event Coordinator for
Have-a-Heart-Adopt-a Pet, a local
organization which promotes animal
adoptions. Pam is also the owner
of Sayville's
Hydrangea Cottage and YourDogWalkers,
providing petsittting and dog walking
services to Sayville and surrounding
towns. Suggestions and ideas for
column topics are welcome, email
shihtzu58@optonline.net |
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