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Looking for a New Best Friend?
By Patricia Heller
Looking for a new best friend - someone to listen, someone who is happy to see you and someone willing to lend a shoulder to cry on? Or are you looking for a jogging partner or someone who enjoys a good game of catch? Best friends are loyal, steadfast and true and they know how to make you laugh! While it can take years to find a good human best friend, a canine best friend could be waiting for you at the local animal shelter. But there is a lot to consider when it comes to adopting a pet.
First, why do you want a pet? This is the simplest of questions but many people don’t take it into consideration and acquire an animal for all the wrong reasons. Commitment is a definite requirement for anyone who wants to add a new animal to their household. Keep in mind that could mean 15 or 20 years of devotion to your pet.
Do you have the time for a pet? The daily time requirements needed to feed, water, exercise, train, care for and socialize a companion animal will take a big chunk of time out of your day. Be prepared to sacrifice other activities or to hire someone to help out if you are not always available.
Can you afford a pet? Like everything else, the price of caring for a companion animal continues to rise. Food, veterinary care and parasite preventatives are especially costly. Other expenses add up quickly. And if there is a problem, illness or accident, unexpected costs can strain a budget.
Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you are considering - and is your life stable enough so you feel comfortable committing to an animal? If you have a small apartment or do not have easy access to the outdoors – a dog might be the wrong choice. If you may be moving in the near future, you might want to wait till your living arrangements are more permanent.
There is much to think about before adopting. If it’s a dog you have your heart set on, like the Obama Family, you might find it hard to select one particular breed. Here are some suggestions to help you go about selecting that new best friend. Start out by trying to match your personalities.
• If you are gregarious and like to talk and make new acquaintances, a unique looking mixed breed is sure to attract attention and could be an ice breaker for starting up new conversations.
• If you are reserved and like to keep to yourself, consider one of the many breeds such as Rottweilers and German Shepherds who are often comfortable as “one-person” dogs.
• If your home is always filled with children, roommates or visitors, consider a breed of dog that is very orientated towards humans. Retrievers, setters, spaniels and their mixed brethren are usually friendly and unflappable.
Matching your energy levels is another consideration.
• Are you athletic and love the outdoors in any season? You would be a great match for an active dog with a medium thick coat like a retriever mix.
• If winter sports are your forte and you love to go cross country skiing or hiking through the snow, a husky mix is ideal. You could enjoy long winter walks together.
• Are you a fair weather stroller? A retired greyhound is a marvelous walking companion.
Matching the amount of daily care needed to keep your friend looking good could influence your final decision.
• Are you drawn to curly or silky locked breeds? Dogs with lots of coats will need lots of coat care. Plan on daily brushings and regular trips to the groomer every four to six weeks.
• Do the teddy bear looks of the double coated northern breeds (Chows, Akitas, Elkhounds, sled dogs and their mixes) appeal to you? Just be prepared for extra grooming during shedding season, extra exercise on cool days and extra air conditioning during the dog days of summer.
• If strength, playfulness and a wash and wear coat appeal to you, how about a pit bull?
Or perhaps you would rather just stay home cuddled up with a warm, furry lap warmer who never needs to be walked, then maybe you have been a cat person all along.
If you now have more questions than answers about which is the right pet for you, the Potter League is holding a Pet Parenting Class every Saturday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am. This class is free and our training staff will answer questions to help you decide on the right pet for your lifestyle. The classes are held in the Humane Education Center at the Potter League for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane in Middletown, Rhode Island. For more information contact Byron Davies at 401 846-8276, ext. 104.
Patricia Heller
Patricia is Director of Outreach and Development for The Potter League for Animals, a full service animal shelter located at 87 Oliphant Lane in Middletown, Rhode Island.
They have a large selection of dogs, cats and small animals for adoption.
The Potter League also offers volunteer programs, obedience classes, pet loss support meetings, humane education and much more.
Feel free to contact Pat at 401 846-8276. You may also visit www.potterleague.org.
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