My first dog Tigger came to me on accident. He was found at 3 months and I decided to keep him. After having him for several years I wanted to get him a friend. I thought the process would be pretty simple. Little did I know it would take almost 6 months for me to actually find a good match for him. I searched online and at local shelters for a good match for us both. Each time I chose a dog that I thought would be a good match for him, he did not want anything to do with the dog. I was getting frustrated with the process. We were at yet another shelter when I had picked another dog that he had no interest in. It was then when he became fascinated with Daisy. As I walked the shelter I did not pick Daisy to meet Tigger. She was barking so loud and was a skinny funny looking mutt. We were about to leave the shelter when it was Daisy's turn to play in the grass area. We were on the other side of the fence and Tigger saw her running around in the grass area. He wanted to go play with her and the attendant at the shelter suggested we let him meet her. I was reluctant but said OK. It was a few minutes into their play session when I knew this skinny, goofy, loud dog was going to be the dog I would take home. I am so thankful that Tigger found her. I really don't think anyone else except Tigger and I could handle her energy. She fit into our life perfect. She has become the best running partner for me and the best friend for Tigger. My point in telling this story is that you should NEVER rush your decision to get a new pet. It is so important to find the right pet for you and your lifestyle. If someone who did not exercise or someone did not have a big yard would have picked Daisy they would have surely given her right back to the shelter. Keep these things in mind when finding a pet for you and your family:
- Your living area - some dogs need lots of room!
- Your activity level - some dogs are perfectly fine being lounge lizards but some dogs like Daisy need someone with a very active lifestyle.
- The size of your family. Some dogs are known to be family dogs and others are better off with a single owner.
- Other pets - it is always a good idea to take your other dogs or cats to meet the new one before you make a decision.
- Age of the new dog. Do you really have time for a puppy. They require lots of attention and you will have to potty train them. Puppies are really cute but a lot of work - just like a baby. You may want to consider a slightly older dog that is already trained.
- Always consider adopting a mutt rather than getting a pure breed. There are so many unwanted dogs in shelters.
- Consider the cost of owning a pet. You will need to get annual vaccines, check-ups and you will be responsible if the dog gets sick. I have Health Insurance for my pets and trust me it has been well worth the $50 a month!
- Consider the cost of boarding your pet if you travel. This can become costly and sometimes people don't think about it before getting a pet. If you are thinking about getting a second dog remember double the expense!
A pet will totally change your life. You will find yourself adjusting your schedule to get home to your pet. They are a lot of work but the payoff of having a best friend is worth the small changes in your life you have to make. My dogs bring me so much happiness and joy it is worth it! Take time when making a decision on a new dog. Do your research on the right type of dog for you and your family. Most times you will know when the time is right and when the right dog comes along. I believe the dog usually picks you not the other way around!
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