Introducing A Pet Into The Family

You've finally made the decision. After lengthy discussions
as to the pros and cons of owning a pet, you've decided that
the time is right. Your children are no longer infants;
they have spent plenty of quality time with Aunt Trudy's
Labrador Retriever, "Sunny" and her Siamese cat, "Simone".
They have played with a neighbor's German Shepherd. Uncle
Fred has brought his Border Collie," Billy" over to the
house many times. The kids have also learned about animal
companions and how to care for them in school where they
have turtles, bunnies, gerbils and hamsters in the classroom.
Although the kids love every kind of animal, it seems they
are most enamored of the canine variety and want a dog of
their own.

While the kids have been begging for a dog for a long time
(it seems like forever!) you want to make certain that they
(as well as you and your husband) are really ready to assume
responsibility for the life of another living being that
will reside in your home. Your little boy is 8 - his sister
is 5. You want your kids to learn responsibility. Still,
ultimately you will be the primary caregiver and supervisor
of your children. Are you all ready to share this
responsibility?

Before you adopt your new canine, do your homework!!! Go on
the Internet. Read about and research the various breeds of
dogs that most appeal to you and your family and determine
which seem most compatible with your personalities and
lifestyle. Decide if you want to purchase a dog from a
breeder (make sure he's reputable and has references!) or
if you'd like to adopt an animal that is in need of a loving
home from a shelter or "rescue" group.

There are countless breed specific rescue groups across the
country, which feature purebred representatives of virtually
every kind of dog from Mastiffs to Dachshunds. These rescue
groups are easily located on the Internet and commonly
feature a gallery of dogs available for adoption along with
details about the animal's age, health and personality.

There are many wonderful, healthy and loving animals that
have been abused neglected or abandoned and are in need of
loving homes. Too many pets end up in shelters or in rescue
organizations simply because their owners lacked sufficient
understanding about the breed they selected. Perhaps you
can adopt an animal in need of a home!!! Go together as a
family so you can see how each of you interacts with a
potential adoptee. Most organizations or shelters have
special visiting areas and afford you the opportunity to
"play" or visit with the animal. Jointly decide which animal
is best suited for your family.

Before you take the final step of actually purchasing or
adopting a pet, make sure you have asked yourself the
following questions: -How much time does my family
realistically have to spend with a pet?

-How intelligent/trainable is the breed of interest?

-How well does it get along with other dogs? People?

-How large is it, or if it's a puppy, how large will it get?

-Is the dog good (patient and trustworthy) with children?

-How much exercise and space will it require?

-Is my backyard fenced so that my dog can safely run and
play and not escape?

-Can we afford to take care of a pet? Its food and medical
costs?

Once you've determined that you can care for a pet, take the
pet you've selected to a veterinarian (ask pet-owning friends
for referrals) for a check-up to determine if he's healthy
or prone to any health problems. Your vet should provide
you with a vaccine and regular exam schedule. Ask him to
recommend the food and diet best suited to your dog's needs.
It is a good idea to have your pet tattooed or micro chipped
by your vet as a permanent means of identification should
he get lost or stolen. Also, inquire about flea, tick and
heartworm prevention and spaying/neutering.

Once you learn that the pet is in good health, make your
home dog friendly and safe both inside and out. Check the
fence to make certain your dog won't be able to escape.
Inside, determine where your pet will eat and sleep. Provide
bedding and separate bowls for his food and water.

Have the family decide on the pet's name, then purchase a
comfortable, secure collar, an identification tag with his
name and your phone number, and a leash.
When your family is ready to take your pet home, each of
you should pet and speak soothingly and comfortingly to him.
As easily and gently as possible, put on his new collar,
name tag and leash. Speak softly and calmly as you guide
and help him into your car. Gently pet him.

When you arrive home, orient him to his new surroundings
-walk him around your home and introduce him to your back
yard while he's still on leash. Bring him into the house
and take him to his special "place" - then guide him through
your house slowly and calmly so that he will become familiar
with it. Allow him to experience the "scent" of each room.
Finally, show him his bed and his special place and remove
his leash. Give him fresh water and talk to and pet him
gently. Give him some doggie toys to play with. Hold him in
your lap - cradle him in your arms and welcome him into
your family!

So, now, you've completed all your homework. You've read
and researched. You've asked the appropriate questions and
received answers to them. Your expectations are realistic -
And you have finally found the dog of your family's dreams.
Good job - well done! You and your family are now ready to
enter into one of life's most enjoyable, rich and rewarding
relationships and to experience the unconditional love and
acceptance that only a beloved companion animal can provide!!!

Congratulations!!!

DR. DIANE POMERANCE received her Ph.D. in Communications in
1979 from the University of Michigan, and has written the
highly acclaimed children's nonfiction book on pet loss,
"When Your Pet Dies" which teaches children how to cope
with and recover from the loss of a beloved companion
animal as well as from the other inevitable losses in life.
She is also the author of "Animal Companions: Your Friends,
Teachers & Guides", "Animal Companions: In Our Hearts, Our
Lives & Our World.", Animal Elders: Caring About Our Aging
Animal Companions", "Finding Peace After the Loss of a Loved
Animal Companion", and her most recent book "Pet Parenthood:
Adopting the Right Animal Companion for You." As a writer,
teacher, counselor and animal lover, Dr. Pomerance recognizes
that the loss of a pet can be devastating to adults as well
as to children and counsels those mourning the loss of a
beloved companion animal. For over 25 years, she also worked
in a wide variety of capacities in the entertainment industry
both in New York and Los Angeles, including production work
with such programs as NBC's Sports shows "NFL Live" and
"Grandstand", PBS' "MacNeill/Lehrer Report", and "Bill
Moyer's Journal."

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