Mom says I'm technically a "pet" so who better than to explain the benefits, responsibilities, and struggles of owning a
First, it's important to comprehend that a pet (dog, cat (bleh), fish, rabbit, whatever) is going to rely solely on you. Not only do we require your opposable thumbs to scoop our food, but we also need you to keep us clean, teach us manners, give us care when we're sick, and scratch our bellies. I've tried- I can't get my foot under there. We are a HUGE responsibility and we're going to be around for a while. Pets are a great teaching tool and companion for children, but only for the right kids (and adults, cough-cough). Nothing is worse than hanging out with a kid for a few weeks and then being ignored. And then being put in a shelter. Or on the side of the road. Or in a pound. Long story short, know what kind of responsibility you're taking on!
Getting the right type of pet is important, too! Dogs and cats require more care than fish. We're also going to be around longer. Huskies (like myself) are very intelligent and majestic. (Mom says we're stubborn and difficult- always needing physical and mental stimulation. Whatever.) Golden retrievers and Labradors live to please and love to learn new things. Of course, all dogs are different but understanding the temperament of a breed is really important. I demand a mile-long walk every day, but a Yorkie doesn't have my incredible stamina. Pick the right dog (or cat, I guess) with the most compatible energy, size, temperament, etc. with your lifestyle and family! Do your research!
Once a pet has decided to grace you with her love and demands, the real fun begins! Going on walks is super cool and some dogs even swim, play fetch, and dance! Training us is on you, but any dog can learn! (Train us young. Shelters are filled with dogs 6 months to 1 year old because owners were too focused on our cuteness and forgot to teach us manners.) All dogs are different: some love kids, some love car rides, some love cuddling on the couch at the end of the day. I promise we'll enhance the quality of your life. Give us some love, attention, and care, and we'll give it back double !
Owning a pet isn't always glamorous. Maybe 1.5% of the time we get a little rowdy, misbehave, or get sick. (That's my own statistic, but I'm sure it's correct.) Enzo made Mom cry a few times when he was being house broken (breaking the house.........) and I'm not ashamed to say that I take medication for my anxiety (hey man, the world is a scary place). Committing to a pet is committing to the good and the bad.
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| This isn't Enzo, but Mom says it looks just like him when he's done playing in the yard. She wasn't smiling... |
Last, but certainly not least: where to get a dog. Mom and Dad are big advocates of adopting from shelters/rescues/sanctuaries/pounds. I came from a humane society and Enzo came from a rescue. So far we haven't bitten anyone's arm off, grown a 2nd head, or died from a rare kennel disease. Mom secretly thinks adopted dogs are better because we're even MORE grateful to our parents for rescuing us. (I let her think that so she'll keep putting peanut butter on my food.) Breeders are ok sometimes (RESEARCH) but pet stores don't always get their "stock" from a kosher source. I get some people want a pure breed. Believe it or not, shelters have PURE BREEDS sometimes! (I don't know why you'd settle for a p.b. but some people are into that, I guess.)
Moral of my story: Research. Commit. Adopt. Love.
(Get us "fixed", too! Mom wanted me to throw that in... Not sure how we're broken? Oh well.)
That's all it takes to be a perfect pet parent!
-Lylee
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