| ||||||
|
So, you wanted a Dog.... |
by Candy McCullough, of Best Buddies Your one-stop shopping site for great dog gifts: http://www.bestbuddies.net/ Your kids are begging for a dog. You begin to feel guilty. After all, isn't it the right of each child to have a dog to love? Besides, it will teach them responsibility. So, when a neighbor has a litter available, you and the kids go "just to look" and come home with a bundle of fur that squirms all over your children, covering them with kisses. Sometimes this story has a happy ending and your pet provides years of love and devotion and is considered a real member of the family. Other times, however, the story does not end so well…. This cute little puppy grows up to be a huge dog that chews everything he can get his paws on. The kids seem to have lost interest and it's costing a fortune to feed him! So, after one last time of coming home and finding paper shredded throughout your house, you put on his leash, drag him to the car and off he goes to a dog shelter. Since he has a lot of competition, chances are he won't be adopted and within a week he will be put down. How can you avoid this sad ending? The best way is to put some thought into what you really want from a dog. Each breed of dog has it's own basic personality traits. Sit down as a family and discuss what type of dog you want. What size? What sort of temperament? Go to the library or bookstore and research the different breeds available. Ask friends who own dogs what their breed is like. If you want a mixed breed, find out what breed the parents were and take that into account.
A dog is a long term investment and if you want it to be a good experience for your family and also the dog, put as much thought into the decision as you do when buying a house, a car or anything that you plan to have for several years. Your reward will be a devoted friend who would lay down his life for you.
|
To avoid having a bad dog experience, begin with these tips:
|
Dog Resources |
Dog Items Quick Links
|
Dog Quotes |
|
Other Dog Websites |
Dog toys Check out this pet resort site: http://www.meadowlakepetresort.com. |
|