Ask Yourself Some Vital Questions

A dog is a joy for life and also a lifelong responsibility.

Are you ready to make a commitment for life? Think hard.

For once you make the decision there can be no going back.

By Shruti Manchanda When her best friend was gifted a Golden Retriever as a present on her sixteenth birthday, Shweta too wanted a pet dog and began pestering her parents into getting one.

The father reasoned with her that bringing a dog home was a big decision.

No doubt the lovable puppies with their large eyes and wagging tails tugged at the heartstrings but pets meant responsibility.

Shweta would hear nothing of it.

She wanted a dog and she was going to get one.

The harried father agreed but on one condition-he insisted that she first do some research and find out which dog would be best suited and what it would entail in terms of time, energy, and money.

He asked her to surf the Internet for information and suggested that she seek advice from a Canine Consultant.

Though she did get plenty of information on the Net Shweta decided to meet up with Dr.

Brijesh Shah a well known Mumbai vet and a pet consultant.

At the very outset he told Shweta and her parents that though a dog made a wonderful, lifelong companion they should be aware that it was like having another baby at home.

So if they decided to go in for a dog it would certainly not be a frivolous decision that could be changed at a later date.

It also meant involvement.

It would entail cleaning up the mess till the dog was toilet trained, it would mean buying expensive dog food, frequent visits to the vet-at least initially-and outings twice a day for the dog to relieve itself and also for exercise.

It could also mean costly training by a professional to successfully integrate it into the human environment.

The key wasÿto know what to look for.

The vet gave them a few vital tips that are applicable to anyone planning to bring home the cuddly bundle of joy...

Are You Ready For The Commitment? A dog is going to be with you for its entire lifespan.

It will require constant care and timely meals, would have to be taken out daily, would require bathing and grooming.

It will need trips to the vet and if you are going on a holiday you'd require someone to take care of it when you are away.

Ready for the commitment? Does A Dog Fit Your Lifestyle? Do research about different breeds available in the market and see which one fits into your family and lifestyle.

If you are the laid back type and enjoy watching television never go for a pet that requires frequent outings.

Similarly if there are young kids at home then you should not be thinking of a big dog.

Is The Dog Temperamentally Calm? Select a dog which has a calm disposition.

A temperamental and threatening dog could mean trouble and chances are people will stop meeting you out of fear.

Pets need to be compatible with everyone who lives in the household as well as the guests who come visiting.

Select a quieter and a more reserved dog.

Is The Dog Child-Friendly? If you have kids at home or intend to have them in future get a child-friendly dog.

Some are overly nippy and may not be suitable for kids.

Others may not react well to the pulling and shoving of kids.

Some might think that a baby is an intrusion on their space and will be aggressive.

So be careful about such negative traits.

Is Your Home Dog-Safe? A large dog would definitely not be suitable in a small apartment.

Or a very small dog may not fit into a very large house.

If you have expensive breakable stuff your house may not be suitable for a small puppy which is curious and frisky.

So you'll have to make re-adjustments to your lifestyle if you are going to get a new dog.

Are You Ready For the Financial Obligations? Expenses do not stop at just buying a dog.

In fact they may have just begun.

The first expense to cope with would be the veterinary bill that would include vaccinations and any other care.

Apart from normal food and milk it would require special dog food which is an expensive proposition.

A dog trainer can be another strain on the finances.

Are you prepared for all these costs while buying a dog? If the answer to all the questions is a YES then congratulations, you are ready and mentally prepared to get a furry friend for a lifetime.

If the answer to some of the questions is a NO then think about it.

Better not to act in haste.

You could end up repenting in leisure.

-(Newsmen Features)