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| Welcome home, Lady Tulip! |
Bringing a new baby home whether it is human or animal kind is an exciting family development. We need to be prepared in a few ways for this little bundle of joy and youth.
I recently rescued a six-month-old puppy and am enjoying her antics and affection. It was a tough decision considering I just had to let go of an older companion dog and am somewhat heartbroken over it still. I needed to heal and my friends that have been dog owners told me that the best thing I could do is get another dog. This is what they do and I caved in and I found Lady Tulip.
My search began online with a couple of the local shelters. I wandered through the adoption pages, looking for a small dog similar in size to my beloved friend. I do not care for large dogs or ones with lots of hair as I am allergic to pet dander. I needed to make my choice carefully, but logic is not always our decision maker. I know I need a small companion and an alert dog, not a protection beast. Two dogs stood out to me and I was overwhelmed to secure Lady as my new dog.
Make sure that the dog you choose fits your family and lifestyle. A large dog would terrorize my cats and I cannot have that. The same dog would probably chase down and kill my chickens, another unfavorable trait. A small canine would work perfectly with our critter family.
Animal Adoption and Rescue Points to Ponder
- When you go to a shelter to see an online pet, be prepared with documentation of your address and information like how many animals are in the household and hours they will be alone.
- Take the time to get to know the animal a bit. Lead them on a leash. Talk to them. Observe their behaviors.
- Ask ahead of time for the fees and registration costs. Understand the shelter will vaccinate, medically screen, and spay or neuter the animal before it is fit to bring home. They will microchip that animal, also. This is a necessary process and it will cost money to do so. Know what the price of your pet is before hand and have the funds available.
- Baby proof the home as you would for a newly walking toddler. Small things that can be chewed and choked on need to be disposed of. Appropriate toys and teething things should be set out where the puppy has access to them.
- Follow up on shot records and vet visits. It will help you keep an eye on any medical issues the pet may have. Our shelter provided a free exam for post-adoptive pets to check for any shelter-related issues. Our Lady Tulip was given a clean bill of health, a nice bag of healthy treats and a dozen or more smiles by the staff. It was an intimidating process for the pup considering her recent history, but I assured her she is in a forever home, no matter what. I will stand by this furbaby and her care up to her twilight years and mine.
- Make absolutely certain that this is the pet you want to own and be diligent in their care. It is not fair to the millions of animals that are out there and in lockdown that have been surrendered by owners because they just didn't want them anymore or something happened that caused them to give up the animal. Be a keeper pet parent. Let this creature be a part of your life until their natural born end.
Amazon Puppy Care
