Adding a Pet to the Family
Are your kids pleading with you to get a pet? Have you been thinking about adding a pet to the family? Here are some issues that you should consider before taking that important step in your lives.
* Are you sure? Adding a pet to the family will be a huge commitment. The pet will need to be cared for daily and some pets can live up to 20 years. The pet will have to be fed and watered daily. He will need to have shots and require some medical care during his life. Pets need attention paid to them, just as humans do. They have emotional as well as physical needs.
* Finding the right pet. If you do decide to go ahead with acquiring a pet, the next decision will be determining what kind of pet to look for, i.e. dog, cat, turtle, fish, etc. And then when you decide on the type of pet, there will be the decision of what breed to get in that particular animal. Be realistic about your interests and your family’s lifestyle when making this decision. Do your research. Check with your local animal shelter for information. Go to the library, make use of the internet to determine the pros and cons of each type of pet.
* Getting ready. Once you have made the decision on what type of pet, now it’s time to get the family ready. Decide what role each person will play in his care. Make sure each family member is committed to participating in the pet’s daily life. Who will fed the pet? Who will see to his exercise, whether it be walking him and/or playing with him. If you are getting a young pet such as a puppy or a kitten, make sure the children understand that this is a baby and needs to be treated with gentle care.
* Set the ground rules. When you bring the pet home, you’ll need to teach him some ground rules. Keep his bed in the same place, feed him at the same time every day. Be gentle, but firm at the same time, when teaching him commands to obey. Make sure the family is aware of these rules and abides by them as well. As difficult as it may be, try not to spoil the new pet.
* Have fun with your new pet. Once you get the pet home, have fun with him. Watch him and help him explore his new home. Play with him and most of all, be patient with him. There will be some potty accidents at first. Give him time to acclimate to his new surroundings. Soon, with a little work, he’ll be a beloved member of the family.
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