Next week, I promise to tell a story. This time of year, though, brings so many good opportunities to make thoughtful commentary on pets and their places in our lives. 'Tis the season to give, and often pets are among those gifts. Pets are unlike most gifts, however, and so, before deciding to give one, you should carefully consider what it means to have a pet.
First, pets are a long term commitment. My Golden Retreiver, Frisco, has been with me for over 14 years, and she is still truckin' right along. Both cats and dogs can live into their teens, some even into their 20s. While some pocket pets, birds and reptiles have relatively short life spans, many of them live much longer than you might expect. Chincillas, for example, can live 10-20 years when kept as pets. Some birds outlive their owners by a long shot. Make sure you are ready to commit to your pet for his/her entire life.
Second, different pets fit different people. All puppies and kittens are over-the-top cute. Both Mastiff puppies and Chiuahua puppies can melt you with their eyes. But each of these dogs will grow up differently, with very different needs. When selecting a pet, consider the type who will fit your family best. Think about how much time you have to dedicate to meeting your pet's needs. Will you have enough time to run or walk a Dalmation, Visla, or Retriever every day? Enough time to train and challenge an intellectual breed like a Jack Russell Terrier or an Australian Shepard? Or do you need a mellow dog? Don't forget that there are a lot of adult, even older, dogs, who need homes and make great companions. I adopted my Yorkie, Bose, when he was 9. Even though I have only had him for 4 years, I can't remember a time without him. If you are looking at a cat, are you ready to take on the constant playfulness of a little kitten, or do you need an adult cat who has already passed the terrible twos? Sometimes adopting a pair of kittens helps redirect their crazy playfulness at each other, rather than your bare ankle coming around a corner. Shelters have become increasingly aware of the need to match humans with pets, and many now offer pet counseling services that will help you find the pet who is just right for you. This helps not only the pets and prospective owners, but it also helps the shelters decrease the number of pets returned because they just didn't fit into their new families.
Third, and although this is probably a no-brainer to those of you reading the blog, I think it is worth saying: pets are not accessories. They are living creatures with needs and emotions. If you adopt a pet, be ready to welcome that pet into your home as a part of your family.
Finally, remember that the gift of a living creature should never be done on a whim. Taking care of a pet over the course of its entire life is a huge commitment and requires planning. You should plan to set aside money for veterinary care. Find a good veterinarian in your area and find out where the nearest urgent care or emergency clinic is located. You can even meet with your veterinarian before you bring your new pet home to discuss preventative care and diet/nutrition. You should have all the necessary goodies for your new pet before bringing him/her home: food, a bed and/or crate, a food dish, a water dish, a litter box (for the kitties), toys, a collar and a leash. For dogs especially, have a training plan in mind. The first few months of a puppy's life are the most impressionable, so take advantage of his/her brain power. If you want a well-behaved dog, start training early.
In this season of giving, remember that pets are amazing family members but they do require a huge commitment. When welcomed into a family who is ready to embrace them and who has planned for their needs, these furry four-leggers are sure to warm many hearts.
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