In the end, you will be just what you want to be. Justin Hayward

SELECTING YOUR PET

I can't think of a time in my life that I haven't loved dogs. As a very small child, I wanted to run to every dog that crossed my range of vision and play with it. Size and shape didn't matter, they all needed to be petted and talked to. We had many dogs in my family while I was growing up, all mixes that brought us joy and companionship. I have fond memories of their unique personalities and quirky behaviors.

It's no surprise that I told my fiancée that we had to have a dog. Life wouldn't be complete without one. He agreed, mostly because he wanted me to have some protection while he was at work. We spent the first two years of our marriage carefully researching breeds. We made a list of desired qualities and traits, looked at what kind of care we could give the dog, and started looking for a breed that fit the list. In the end, we decided on a Rhodesian Ridgeback. Do I love this breed? Absolutely. Would I recommend them to everyone? Certainly not. Why not? No one breed is ideal for everyone. In fact, dogs aren't the ideal pet for everyone. Loving them is important, but that's only part of the equation that leads to a happy owner and a happy pet. Falling instantly in love with the cute puppy does not qualify a person to own a dog!

I'm not saying everyone must take two years to decide on a companion pet, but research should always be the first step of bringing any pet into your life. Here are a few of the important questions that need to be asked and answered before getting any pet:

1. Are you willing and happy to train (or learn to train) a pet? If not, take dogs off the pet list altogether.

2. What is your activity level? How much time and space do you have for exercise with you pet?

3. How much time do you want to spend each week grooming?

4. Can you afford the costs of proper food and veterinary care? Does the pet/breed you're interested in have a tendency for certain medical conditions?

5. Do you have (or are you planning to have) children? 

6. Will you be traveling extensively?

7. Do you have rental limitations on pet ownership? 

8. Are you willing to pay for the damage that pets will inevitably do to your property?

When you've answered those questions, you're in a better position to do some in-depth research about breeds and breed mixes. Not all dogs are created equally. Never, ever, EVER get a dog based on looks alone. Find out what makes the dog tick. What are the instincts this dog is hardwired with? Was the breed (or dominant breed in a mix) intended to hunt, guard, be a constant companion, or some other work? Is the dog easily trainable? Is it independent or compliant? What are its exercise requirements? Is it calm or easily excitable? How much grooming is required each day/week?

Where do you start getting the answers to these questions? I recommend buying or borrowing the ASPCA's book Complete Guide to Dogs. They have pictures and information on more than 150 breeds, as well as some of the most common breed mixes. The most helpful feature of this book is an easy to read key down the margin of each page that gives information about activity level, grooming needs, etc. It makes it much easier to find the breeds that fit your needs and lifestyle.

When you've narrowed down your list of breeds or breed mixes to a few options, there are several places to continue your research. National breed clubs are a great place to get information online. National breed clubs are parent clubs of a specific breed. They will have detailed information about the breed from people who specialize in that breed. You can find national breed clubs on the American Kennel Club website, here http://www.akc.org/clubs/search/index.cfm?action=national&display=on . Internet message boards also exist for just about every breed under the sun. You can ask questions and get information from owners of the breed you're interested in. Breed characteristics that are endearing and funny to one person may be terribly annoying and agitating to another. Don't underestimate the value of talking to someone who lives with the breed every day!

After you've done your research, where do you get a pet? I have two dogs, each from a different source. We bought Rock from a breeder when he was a puppy, and a few years later we adopted Brodie as a young dog from a breed rescue. I recommend looking at a breed rescue group or your local humane society first. It is estimated that six million dogs and cats are euthanized each year because of irresponsible owners. They deserve a second chance in a good home. Breed rescues can be found on the AKC link above, or on a search engine. A good rescue will have you fill out an application and probably interview you to make sure you are a good match for their breed.

Most local humane societies will have a website where you can watch for the breed/mix you're interested in. You can also search Petfinders.com to see other dogs up for adoption in any geographic location. If you prefer to buy from a breeder who gives a health guarantee, the best place to find a responsible breeder is through the parent breed club or the AKC. Having a purebred dog is not enough reason to breed! You should be prepared to ask a lot of questions yourself to ensure the breeder is ethical and responsible. A good breeder will have you fill out an application before the breeding is planned. They will normally not breed a dog unless it has earned its championship status. They may have you sign a contract to have your dog spayed or neutered on a designated timeline to prevent an unwanted, unplanned litter. A good breeder will have a lot of questions to ask you to ensure that you are the right owner for one of their dogs. 

Be patient about getting your dog. This isn't something that should be rushed through. The right dog in the right home will make very happy owners and very happy pets. My dogs are part of everything I do, my constant shadows. They are great with my kids because I taught the kids and the dogs how to treat each other from day one. They are curious, intense in everything they do, sneaky, independent yet clingy, affectionate, protective, quick to learn, not so quick to obey, and absolutely perfect for me.

I'm glad I did my research.

Tamie Adams