Before you buy that puppy!!

Amanda · #1 (**permalink**) 05-07-2002, 03:00 PM

In honor of Be Kind To Animals Week and National Pet Week, here's a good article about that "Puppy Love" that so many people are struck by.
http://www.familycorner.com/cgi-bin/...mp.cgi?ID=1288

I invite your comments!

Shawn · #2 (**permalink**) 05-07-2002, 05:41 PM

I think that is a wonderful article and give a lot of information to think about.

I must say however, that 10 years ago my husband came home from going out "ring" shopping for his friend who wanted to get engaged and instead came home with a beautiful puppy (who we still have). She was the cutest thing.

We both love dogs but never really spoke about getting one. I was glad we did but never thought about all the puppy proofing, the nibbling on furniture, vet expenses, etc.....

Needless to say we kept her and we love her and she is part of our family but to this day, we can not take over night trips or any very long day trip or on vacation without trying to find someone to watch her. I would not change a thing now... BUT if I had to do it over again, there would be a lot to think about .. a lot of information and thought MUST be put into a decision like this.

kimmyo · #3 (**permalink**) 05-07-2002, 07:16 PM

Wonderful very informative article. I work for a veterinarian and I found the article to be very factual. Owning a pet is serious business and should not be taken lightly. Pets can be very demanding of your time and money. Just like a child they require love, attention and special care. There are a lot of costs involved in owning a pet. Diseases like cancer, diabetes and thyroid problems are not uncommon in pets today. These can all be very expensive to treat. Routine vaccinations, spay/neuter costs, routine dental treatments, pet foods, heartworm preventatives, and flea/tick preventatives are all costly. However, ignoring these maintenance routines can be an even larger monetary burden!

I love pets and think owning a pet is a wonderful responsibility. But it is just that a responsibility!

PrairieRose · #4 (**permalink**) 05-07-2002, 08:24 PM

Wouldn't it be nice if you could convince anyone considering a dog or even someone who falls head over hills for all baby animals, to read it? As an owner of a 7 month old (poodle) puppy I can surely attest the time, patience, love and dedication that it takes to raise a good dog. I have to say that is a very rewarding thing to see the wild thing turn into a treasured family member but so many families or individuals are not equiped or prepared for the commitment. And boy what a commitment it is. I was standing out in the front yard, knee deep in snow, hair on end, in my robe at 2 a.m. for our puppy potty breaks. Sure glad I don't have to do that anymore but she is definitely a consideration in all our plans now. Just like what we'll do with her this weekend when we go away for graduation....... . Thankfully my father has a poodle, close in age and will be taking care of her for me. But it is something to always think about.

DeBora4BobbyL · #5 (**permalink**) 08-04-2004, 03:47 PM

I didn't know where to go to ask this question, but here goes.

I have an 11 year old chihuahua--my baby! He just had a surgical procedure to clean and remove some teeth. Now, it seems that he is consitpated and bloated. Probably from the anesthesia.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone knew what I could give him to help loosen his stools? I have given him canned pumpkin before, but that didn't seem to help. Any suggestions?