Adopting a Pet

"Whoever said you can't buy happiness, forgot about little pups." Kindness and humanity are synonymous to all animal lovers who have limitless place in their hearts for their pet companions. Adopting a homeless dog is not just a human act of kindness, but also the ways and means of acquiring unwavering attention and devotion, loyalty, companionship and love really in its truest sense. Though a time consuming indulgence, all the amount of patience employed however is rewarded for sure when these animals wait for their master anxiously at home without questioning his lifestyle and at the very first sight of him, they run to hug him and are contended with just a pat. The Master–Pet bonding is one of the most beautiful relations in the world, which quite interestingly, can only be felt and not visibly experienced.

The first and the foremost step before adopting a Dog is to choose the correct breed and type which will prove out to be the most suitable for your household, while also ensuring that the dog is at his comfortable best. While numerous breeds are available, it is of extreme importance to zero–in on the one which will match not just your requirements, but also your personality and lifestyle. The following should be kept in mind before deciding on a particular breed type ?

•Knowledge is the only key to success. It is very important to have an in-depth knowledge of various breeds and their mixes available before an extensive search for the best pup is made. While there are no coaching classes for this, self assessment after having researched on breed types of varied nature is the name of the game. Follow the rule – you know yourself and your household the best!

•Are you buying or adopting a pup because a.) You are moving into a new house, b.) Your kids have wanted one for months now, or c.) You are alone and the loneliness is too much to handle…? None of these are good enough reasons till the time you realise that owning a dog will involve full time effort, care and a lifelong commitment.

•Should you be living in a family, then it is of prime importance to seek the approval of every family member before you get the pup into the house for it will never be an individual’s dog, but a family companion.

•The timing of owning a pet has to be just right. If you are starting a family or looking out for change of profession or if you are relocating, it is the best to wait a bit till life is steadier and comfortable. There is never a good idea to add excess baggage when there is a strong chance of it being unbearably heavy.

•Affordability…! It is only wise to work out an expenditure program and work out on a spending chart in terms of recurring expenses such as feeding, veterinarian costs etc. and the non- recurring ones such as neutering in some cases.

•Your activity and lifestyle are bound to affect the way you bring up the Dog. If you and/or your family enjoy a regular fitness regime and prefer long distance walking or even hiking, then you should want an active dog which would match his activity with yours day on day. On the contrary, if you prefer a laid back and relaxed lifestyle and would be content with your dog strolling around with you, then it is best to have a dog with low exercise needs.

•The environment you wish to provide your dog has to be in compliance with his body system. If you wish to choose a dog high on activity, then you would need to ensure that there is enough room for him to fulfill his daily exercise needs either at home or else outside but only with you being around.

•The size and type of your house also matters while making decision for a particular breed. Larger breeds are best suited to houses with lawns and open areas while smaller breeds are fit for apartments. •Dogs require your time and attention every day. They can’t take care of themselves. Provision of the best of facilities is useless till you spend good quality time with the Dog.

•Would there be someone in the house at all times to take care of the dog? If no, then proper arrangements have to be made in order to ensure that the dog does not feel lonely on a daily basis. A dog, if left alone on a daily basis, has a hampered growth and has erratic behaviors. It is sometimes low on confidence and at other times, savagely dangerous. You’re adding a new family member and keeping him happy is your only duty.

•Smooth coated dogs such as Labradors, Short coated ones like the German Shepherd, and Long coated ones such as Cocker Spaniels or Pomeranians have suitability for different weather conditions. While the smooth and short coated dogs are easily adapted to all weather conditions, it is not really easy for the dogs with long coat to sustain a lot of heat if they are not groomed and their hair not trimmed regularly. With Pet Grooming Parlors finally becoming a reality in India, it is only apt that you use their professional services to the maximum benefit of your pet.

•If you already have pets at home, may be a dog or a cat, you would need to determine how a socially adaptable and adjustable dog you will need. There will be, and only naturally so, some jealously when a new pet enters the domain held singularly by the existing pet. However you will have to act wisely and in the coming few days, the two pets will bond like long lost friends!

Man is a dog's idea of what God should be. Though money will buy you a pretty good dog, but it won't buy the wag of his tail. Your care, love and affection, which do not cost a single penny, will…!

Happy Petting…!!!

About Rajat Handa

Rajat Handa, a businessman by occupation, is an animal lover, pet aficionado and an avid horse rider based in New Delhi. By way of his company Asha Medical, he works towards bringing the very latest and best veterinary science technologies to the country of India. His meticulously designed Pet Store in Chandigarh, “Animal Kingdom…The Pet Mall”, is a one-stop solution for all your pet’s needs including a fully equipped Veterinary Clinic, modern grooming Parlor and even a library.