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His big, sad eyes are working a sort of magic on you. You’ve got kids tugging at your sleeve, begging to bring the new puppy home and, you have to admit, he is cute. Really, really cute. Why, he’s so darling that it’s downright impossible to turn around and walk away. Before you pull out that checkbook, stop and think! Are your family and your house ready for a new pet? If you’re not sure, read on for a quick checklist of concerns and considerations that must be addressed before you take on this enormous responsibility. Adding up the cost A new animal comes to you with lots of needs. A visit to your local pet store is proof of all the many products available. Bedding, litter boxes, leashes, food and toys are just the beginning. Licensing, shots, regular grooming, veterinary care and training are some very necessary accessories that come with owning a pet, as well. And, as usual, there is a substantial cost attached. Sometimes, the expenses aren’t immediately known. Cindy Bearce of Temecula shares that “when we first got Zach, he had a bout of stiffness that was treated with antibiotics and steroids. When he was 8 months old, he became lethargic and had a hard time getting up on his own. The veterinarian had a very difficult time determining what was causing his problems. There were many tests run including blood work and X-rays. The vet bills were more than we had expected for a puppy.” Solution? Factor in those unforeseeable costs and problems that new pet adoptions pose. Getting the job done So, everyone is willing to do their fair share, right? They’ve all promised and pleaded and sworn up and down that they are ready to assume the “pet” chores. Really? Are you sure? Who is going to be the pooper-scooper? Give some serious thought to what your daily routine will look like with feeding and cleaning and potty-walks figured into an already busy day. Because, let’s face it, there is a strong probability that the day’s chores will eventually land in your lap. And let’s not forget the nights. Some puppies and kittens, too are a lot like newborns. They’ll cry in the night for comfort and attention. Solution? Ask yourself if you are home enough and willing enough to devote the proper amount of time and attention your new pet will require and deserve. Preparing your home If you’ve spent months reupholstering your furniture, have finally managed to apply a fresh coat of paint to the walls and are enjoying your new carpet, you may want to reconsider the adoption option. Fortunately, there are some ways to offset the potential for wear and tear on your furnishings. A nice-sized back yard, with room to run and lounge in the sun, is a plus. Child safety gates are a clever way of fencing off “no-go” areas of the house. And there are some reasonably priced dog houses and fluffy pillows that provide a comfy alternative to the sofa. Solution? Designate rules for pet-friendly areas of your home and hold firm. Finally, whatever choice you make, try to discuss and determine your options as a family. From the very beginning, teamwork is a crucial first step in owning a new pet. Good luck! Kerri S. Mabee of Temecula is a freelance writer and mothers to three children. Got allergies? The Humane Society reports “that approximately 15% of the population is allergic to dogs or cats.” They offer the following suggestions for alleviating your allergy symptoms: • Create an “allergy free” zone in the home preferably the bedroom and strictly prohibit the pet’s access to it. • Use HEPA air cleaners throughout the rest of the home. • Bathe your pet on a weekly basis. • Ask your allergist to specifically test you for allergies to pet dander. • Inquire with your doctor about immunotherapy or allergy shots. • Find an allergist who understands your commitment to living with your pet. DID YOU KNOW? The average dog visits its veterinarian almost twice as many times as the average cat or horse. There are more than 60 million pet dogs in the U.S. and nearly 70 million pet cats. Birds represented 2 million visits to veterinarians in 2001. Dog-owning households spent almost 38% more in 2001 than in 1996. Source: The American Veterinary Medical Association at www.avma.org |
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