How to choose your dog

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” 

― Josh Billings

 

Anybody who owns a dog or had one could attest to this. There isn’t a selfish bone in the dog when it comes to his people. That is why owning a dog can be very rewarding. But everybody MUST understand that having a dog or a pet for that matter, comes with GREAT RESPONSIBILITY.

 

 I have been in the practice for quite some time now and I have seen a lot of stories that did not end well because the owners weren’t ‘really prepared’ to get a pet. But, the big question is, how would you know that you are ready? 

 

Think of your purpose in getting a pet. Why do you want to have one? Would they be solely for companion purposes? Or are you thinking of breeding? 

 

Next thing is to consider is what kind of pet? A dog? cat? Or an exotic animal maybe? Well, these questions will be mostly answered by your lifestyle. If you are most of the time out of the house, a dog may be not suited for you. Because dogs are dependent generally on their owners they might get lonely and miserable being on their own. Plus training will be difficult if not impossible. A cat on the other hand is easier and more independent. You just have to provide them with food, water and a litter box then they can live happily even with just occasional petting. 

 

If you have chosen on whether to get a dog or a cat, next thing to decide on is the breed. First thing to check is the SIZE. Especially for dogs, is it a small, medium, large or giant breed? I have met pet owners who had to eventually give up a dog (or a snake) because it wasn’t what they expected it to be. I always get the ‘I thought they won’t grow big’ line. That is why I always tell clients that it is very important to check and read on the breed first before acquiring them. In addition, make sure to also check on their temperament. This will give you an idea if you will be able to handle them or it will be the other way around. Certain breeds are predisposed to certain diseases, that is why it is also of importance to check on what diseases the breed you want are predisposed to. 

 

When I was a little girl, I have always wanted a cat. I always saw them as graceful creatures of high intelligence. But my Mom didn’t allow me to because I have asthma. That is another thing to consider. Does anybody in the household have allergies that could be triggered by fur? Most importantly, is everybody in the household okay with having a pet? 

 

Having a pet is just like having a child. It is a living being that needs to be taken-cared of. That includes medical care; check-ups, vaccinations and parasite control. It breaks my heart that there are owners who do not bring their pets in for check up. Worse, there are owners who do not get their pets treated even when they are very sick. If it was your child, would you do that?

 

Being a pet parent is a very fulfilling and satisfying experience. The unconditional love that your pet can give you is more than what anybody could actually ask for. Imagine being away during the day for work and coming home to an excited dog that can’t help but lick you as if asking you where have you been? Or a cat that won’t stop meowing as if checking how your day was then would eventually sit beside you while you are taking off your shoes? It is that part of the day that I always look forward to, coming home. All exhaustion and negative feelings are wiped-out with just the snap of a finger whenever I see my little baby running towards me, tail wagging and just happy to see me. But for them to be able to do that, we have to do our part. We have to make sure we are ready for them, because they always are.