Choosing A Family Pet

It all started when my son Matthew turned 9-years-old and began asking me if I would get him a dog.  

Having three cats and a hectic schedule, I really didn’t think getting another pet would be ideal for us. I travel every other month for several days and was not willing to kennel a pet that often so other arrangements would need to be worked out. I also knew that I did not want a dog that would require a lot of activity. I was used to low maintenance cats and wasn't sure I wanted the work that came along with a canine.

I have a full-time job and our family has many obligations with extra curricular activities. I knew that if we were to get a dog, we needed a laid back, adult dog that didn’t require hours of hyper play and wouldn’t chew on everything in sight. I was not interested in having to train a puppy, so being already house broken was a prerequisite.

Spending time on the Internet and talking to co-workers, I started researching breeds and was set on adopting a retired greyhound as they are known for being couch potatoes and very easy going.

That same week, friends of mine posted a photo of a handsome, 3-year-old male black Labrador named Jake who was floating on a raft in the middle of a pool. I knew immediately when I saw his picture that he was meant to be our's and a week later he was in our home.

Anyone who knows me realizes that I am slightly obsessed with Jake. He’s about a hundred pounds of pure unconditional love and he has become a cherished part of our family. He sleeps in my bed, snuggles on the couch to watch TV, follows my son around the house, takes rides in the car, spends time at the local dog park and is so grateful to be loved and adored. 

He is the first one to wake me up with cold wet nudge and the last one to snuggle up with me at night. I tease my kids and tell them that Jake is my golden child as he doesn't talk back and doesn't ask for money. When I travel, Jake gets home boarded at a friend's house where he is just as adored by her family and dogs. We are fortunate that he fits right into our family, but a lot of thought went into adopting him.

When picking a family pet there are several important criteria that should be considered before making a commitment to bring one into your home. A major consideration when considering a new pet is the cost.  Animals need specific food, housing, bedding, medical care, dietary needs and other supplies so it can get expensive. 

Now a bit overweight, Jake now has special dietary needs which are costly. Annual vet care alone is a big expense as well, and that’s assuming he doesn’t get sick. It’s important to understand the basic cost of maintenance for your pet, realizing the unexpected can happen.

Ann Kistner, a receptionist at a veterinary office in Dunedin and a pet-sitter, is very familiar with different animals and their traits.

Kistner said, “I suggest researching the pet you are interested in to make sure their personality and type is a good fit. For instance, birds need special care with the wings, beaks, and nails needing to be trimmed often. The larger the bird, the longer the life span usually, so special arrangements should be made to accommodate future care if necessary."

Other unusual pets can also have special needs.

"Rabbits, ferrets, and sugar gliders need special bedding and food and special care is required. When they get sick you have to find a vet that specializes in exotic animals. Most vets do not specialize in exotics since their bodies are so different from cats and dogs, so vet care can get costly,” Kistner said.

If you already have other pets, it’s important for the new pet to be a good addition to the mix based on personality and known instincts. Are your current pets good with other animals in general or do they get possessive and aggressive towards them? Not all species will get along, so it’s critical to do some homework here for the safety and well being of all.

Kistner also commented, “If you adopt an animal from a shelter or a rescue group they will want to make sure you have ample space such as a yard and they will check up on you through your vet. We get calls all the time to ensure that the owner has taken care of their pet in the past. If the pet has issues from their previous experiences, make sure that you can handle it and know what you are getting into.”

Define upfront who will have responsibilities assigned in caring for your new pet. Who will be responsible for bathing, feeding and watering, cleaning out a cage, or cleaning up messes in the yard?

A pet is a commitment and not a passing interest, which is where many kids may fall short in the long term care of their pet. Set clear guidelines on specific duties your kids will be obligated for on a daily or weekly basis so they know what is expected of them.

If you're interested in adopting a pet for the family, do your research and then consider the Pasco County Animal Services shelter, 19640 Dogpatch Ln. in Land O' Lakes. The shelter is offering dogs and cats at half price for a limited time. This means dogs go home for $35 and cats for $20. The price includes spaying or neutering, shots and more.