Introduction
I have lived with many animals: dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, mice, snakes, lizards, fish, tarantulas and other large startling bugs. Some were rescued, some purchased, and some were adopted from shelters. I’ve also made many common pet-owner errors throughout the years. I even gave up a few of my beloved pets to rescue groups when I thought I no longer could keep them. And then one day, there I was, a pet writer without a pet. I hadn’t had the heart to try any of it again until one day in 1999, when I walked into the Iowa City/Coralville Animal Care and Adoption Center.
I meandered along the rows of kennels looking at the enthusiastic Lab mixes, the baying Beagles, the pining pit bulls and I kept thinking, “They won’t have a small dog; they won’t have a small dog.” And then I saw Sally, a slender, delicate, fine-boned rat terrier with Italian Greyhound features, golden-brown eyes, velvety ears that tipped loosely forward, and a tight white coat with orange markings. She was all of 11 pounds, sitting still, all alone in the middle of the spacious kennel, staring at me. I stopped. She stared. I stared. She stared harder. It was almost as though she were trying to persuade me, with the force of her terrier will, that I simply must take her home. “Uh-oh,” I thought. “Here we go.”
I brought my children to meet Sally. We visited three times before Sally came home with us. Of all the dogs I’ve ever kept — purebreds, strays, free-to-good home fellows — Sally is special. She seems to know that I will keep her forever, that her home is finally a forever home. Sure, she needed training and had a few bad habits, but we went to obedience class, worked hard, housetrained, learned tricks, went on walks, and now she rests contentedly at my feet while I work. Eventually, I brought home another little terrier mix named Jack, who has glaucoma and probably will be blind before the tender age of 3. Sally, the good big sister that she is, is now a dog’s guide dog in training, but most of all she’s the best dog friend I think I will ever know
My point about Sally is that of all the many places you can find a wonderful pet, some of the best are animal shelters and pet rescue groups. There you find animals discarded by pet owners who could not or would not, for whatever reason, keep them. Regardless of the problems — poor health, lack of training, overexuberance caused by loneliness, fear-based shyness, or nippiness — the right pet owner with the right knowledge can help a pet to heal. Thousands of pets are waiting because they were failed by people who relinquished their responsibility and gave up, got bored, got tired, or let life get in the way. Some of these people couldn’t help giving up their pets. Nevertheless, what remains are the recycled animals, waiting for someone willing to make the commitment of time, energy, money, and heart to take care of them for the rest of their lives
Sally changed my life for the better, and I am willing to bet that a shelter pet is out there waiting to change your life. Adopting a Pet For Dummies is designed to help you find, care for, nurture, feed, train, socialize, and love an animal that desperately needs a second home. Some of these animals have health and behavior problems, but with patience and the knowledge and guidance this book provides you can usually recognize and manage the problems shel ter animals tend to experience. I help you decide which kind of pet is right for you, give you resources for finding the kind of animal you want, and help you to do the right thing for your new animal companion after you’ve decided to give a pet a second chance. Sometimes the best things in life are the things other people throw away.
Adopting a pet is good for everyone. You get that soul mate you’ve been pining for, and a pet without a family gets you. But taking on the respon sibility of an adopted pet isn’t merely a matter of slapping down the check card for sundry adoption-related expenses and taking home the pet that strikes your fancy at the moment. You’re bringing home a living, breathing, conscious being . . . and not just any conscious being. This animal already has lost a home and needs what animal shelters sometimes call a forever home — a full commitment
Making Sure You’re Ready to Be a Good Pet Parent
Who wouldn’t want a pet? They’re cute, they’re companionable, they don’t talk back. Then again, you need to feed them, clean up after them, take care of them every single day . . . hey, wait a minute. Are you sure you want a pet?
If the people who work and volunteer for animal shelters could change one thing about the world, many of them would make people think much longer and harder about whether they really want a pet in the first place. All too often, people adopt pets only to find they don’t have the time, money, or patience to take care of them properly, and they end up returning the pet to the animal shelter
Pets have many great qualities, but they’re also plenty of work and responsibil ity. Living with a pet isn’t the same as living with, say, a blender. Sure, you have to wash a blender, and it can be the source of good things, but you can also stick it in the cabinet for weeks at a time, and it won’t mind at all. Being a good pet parent means providing a pet with all the things it needs to stay healthy. Pets need mental as well as physical exercise, a clean environment, healthy food, and clean water. Being a pet parent means being responsible, keeping a schedule, and making arrangements for your pet’s care whenever you have to be away. Are you ready for that kind of responsibility? The following sections can help you decide.
Being mindful of housing restrictions
Pets aren’t welcome everywhere. If you rent your home, be sure that your landlord allows pets. Many adopted pets are returned to the shelter or even abandoned when they’re sneaked into a home environment that doesn’t allow them and are then discovered.
As part of the adoption process, many animal shelters and rescue groups require proof of home ownership or an official letter from the landlord stating that he or she will allow a pet to live on the premises. Don’t expect to be able to adopt a pet without first getting this paperwork in order.
Landlords and neighbors
Even when a pet is officially allowed in a rented home, adopted pets still can cause problems. Barking dogs, roaming cats, squawking parrots, and the pres ence of, say, a large python, are enough to make neighbors nervous, annoyed, or downright furious. Complaints and even calls to the police can be cause for a landlord to threaten or even move forward with an eviction. Other things that bother neighbors include failure to clean up waste, odor from pet litter boxes or cages, and failure to keep pets under control while off the leash. These concerns all are serious, and after you start a war with your neighbors or your landlord, life can get pretty stressful for everyone.
Making sure that you manage your adopted pet in a way that won’t infringe upon the rights of your neighbors or break any terms, explicit or implied, in your lease is best for you, your neighborhood, and certainly your pet.
Lease laws and leash laws
If you get into a tangle with your landlord or neighbors, you need to know your rights. Sometimes other people who simply don’t like pets will unfairly persecute you. This situation is completely different than perfectly justified complaints that you aren’t managing your animal.
Every state and local region has its unique set of laws and ordinances regarding pets, what constitutes a pet, and where and when you are liable for your pet’s behavior. For instance, in some states, killing any dog that harasses a domes tic animal is perfectly legal, if the dog isn’t wearing a rabies tag. Pet owners typically are liable for any damages their pets inflict on anybody or anything. That means if your Golden Retriever isn’t wearing his tag and he escapes from your yard and chases your neighbor’s cat, your neighbor is legally allowed to take action
Find out the exact laws in your area by contacting your city or state govern ment office. Ask about:
Leash laws
Noise ordinances
Liability issues related to pets
Tenant and landlord rights regarding pets
If you find that laws exist that you aren’t willing to follow, then please don’t adopt a pet
Affording a pet
Maybe you’re perfectly willing to take on the responsibilities associated with owning a pet. You have the time, the space, and the capacity for affection, but do you have the cold hard cash? Pets are pricey, especially during the first year. Even if you’re adopting a pet for a meager adoption fee, that pet still needs the care, food, and supplies necessary for a healthy, safe life. Consider the costs involved during the first year of life for various pets before making a commitment to adopt one.
Table 1-2 gives you estimates on first-year costs of various pets. Because different shelters and rescue groups vary in costs according to services and by region of the country, because veterinarians charge different amounts depending on where they’re located, and because supplies vary dramatically according to what you buy and how much you choose to spend, these expenses are merely rough but approximate estimates
The Good Part: Adopted Pets = Love
With all this nay-saying, it may sound like the message in this chapter is that you shouldn’t get a pet. Au contraire! Pets are wonderful, and adopting a pet that needs a home truly is a noble deed. The message in this chapter is really more akin to the message delivered to Boy Scouts: Be prepared. Hundreds of thousands of people successfully keep and enjoy pets, and you can be one of them. If you know what you’re getting into, living with an adopted pet can bring many good things into your life. Here are a few
Pets make you healthier: The rumor is true: Pets really do make people healthier. Studies show that pet owners have lower blood pressure and reduced stress, get more exercise, and visit the doctor less often than people who don’t own pets. Consider adopting a pet to be an investment in your good health and longevity. (You will, of course, return the favor by keeping your pet in good health!)
Pets make you happier: Studies show that people who have pets suffer less often from depression and have greater psychological stability than people who don’t have pets. Less depression means more happiness . . . and how can you fail to be happy when your dog, cat, or even your sociable rat gazes at you with so much interest and adoration?
Pets teach you how to love better: When you take on the responsibility of caring for and nurturing something or someone, you discover a little bit more about love. This affection goes far beyond the extra credibility you get with the opposite gender when they see you walking your dog through the park. Pets impact your life, your personality, and your entire being. They pull you out of yourself and into a relationship with them, and their dependence on you helps you to see beyond yourself. You find out about sacrifice, about how to be less selfish, and about how to give. Maybe that’s why so many people get pets, then graduate to having children. Pets help you understand what it means to love something other than yourself.
Perfect Pet Profile Quiz: Find Out What Kind of Pet You Really Want
You’re serious about adopting a pet, but maybe you’re still not sure what kind of pet works best for your lifestyle and personality. Try this ten-question quiz. You may be surprised to find out that you really are a cat person or a snake person or that you’re really more suited for a guinea pig. Pick the answers you think are best for each of the questions and circle the answer(s) (you may have to do it more than once) that correspond to the number and pet types for each question in Table 1-3. (I help you add up your answers when you’re finished.)
When you think of a pet, you’re most cheered by the thought of something:
A. Warm, fuzzy, and snuggly.
B. Wiggly and energetic.
C. Aesthetically pleasing, beautiful, and breathtaking.
D. Cool and shocking.
When it comes to interacting with a pet, your basic philosophy is:
A. Pets should be seen and not heard.
B. Pets should add to the décor of the home.
C. Pets should be with their people all the time and participate in their lives as much as possible.
D. Pets should be affectionate but also independent. Too much needi ness is irritating.
During the week, you:
A. Work most of the day, approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and never come home for lunch.
B. Work most of the day, but can easily come home for lunch and stay there for at least 30 minutes.
C. Work part time and are away from home no more than four to six hours each day.
D. Work at home and are almost always there.
Beyond the Glamour: What It Means to Adopt . . .
Adopting a pet in general involves many considerations, but adopting a particular kind of pet involves a whole slew of new things to think about. Merely realizing that you’re a dog person or a bird person or an exotic-animal person isn’t enough to justify adopting a pet. You must also consider some creature-specific factors that can help you determine whether you’re ready and whether you’re at a point in your life when adopting a pet of the type you think you want really is practical
A dog
More households have dogs than any other pet in America — 43.5 million households, according to the American Pet Product Manufacturer’s Association. But dogs also are the pets that take the most work, time, care, and expense. Dogs need plenty of attention, regular vet care, good food, chew toys, train ing and socialization, and exercise. Being pack animals, dogs must feel like they’re a part of the family, or they won’t thrive. Even if they know they’re the lowest family member on the totem pole, dogs want to know their place so they can feel secure. Dogs also need basic daily maintenance
Many dogs, especially as puppies, can’t be left alone for more than a few hours without needing a bathroom, and they should never be left alone outside. They can chew up your house, bark and howl, learn how to open cabinets, jump over baby gates, and generally cause a ruckus. Dogs need exercise in the form of walks and/or active games. But dogs also are incredibly rewarding companions, and a well-trained, well-socialized, and well-behaved dog is one of life’s great joys. Getting your dog to that place isn’t always easy, however. It takes work and a lot of attention!
Adopted dogs in particular can be needy and require extra work, patience, and a big effort to train and socialize in the beginning. Some fear being aban doned again, some may have health problems, and some may be distrustful of people. On the other hand, your adopted dog may be the picture of good manners, having already enjoyed good training and socialization by previous owners. Even so, all dogs want to be with people. They are social animals and won’t enjoy being left alone in the backyard. Getting a dog means deciding that you want to hang out with a dog. It may sound obvious, but many people overlook this basic fact. If you want to hang out with a dog, great. If you think that may get tiresome, keep reading.
A cat
More households may have dogs than cats, but pet cats outnumber dogs in America — 90.5 million pet cats far exceed the paltry 73.5 million pet dogs! Cats are notorious for being more independent, less needy, and more self sufficient than dogs, making them many pet owners’ pet of choice. However, not all cats are independent. Some breeds and some individuals of any type can be demanding, meowing and butting at your hand for a targeted stroking session when you really need to be typing at the computer. In fact, cats may want to help you type at your computer. Don’t rely on their accuracy, however
Some cats are maddeningly allusive, denying your requests for affection when you’re finally done typing and ready to pet them. Agile and playful, curious and clever, cats can get into trouble if they don’t have enough to do. Some cats really want a playmate, and having one can be a great way to fulfill a cat’s social needs, although be prepared for mad dashes around the house, with each cat a mere streak of fur in your peripheral vision. Other cats want nothing to do with a second feline, needing and desiring only you. With cats, you have to be open, flexible, and ready to accept the unique and often eccentric personality you get. If you don’t have the patience for such indulgence, keep reading
A small mammal
If you like to look at cute fuzzy critters but you don’t want them demanding your attention all the time, perhaps a small animal is for you. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and mice endure, occasionally even enjoy being han dled, and benefit from supervised exploration outside of their cages. Ferrets and rats, on the other hand, can be more demanding and want more intensive interaction. Even though small animals may not require a bunch of handling, they nevertheless require plenty of maintenance in the form of habitat cleaning.
All small animals need a cage or other safe enclosure that is spacious enough for them to move around in and explore and equipped with stimulating toys and other interactive exercise equipment. However, even the classiest of critter condos isn’t going to be healthy when it’s full of animal waste. Most critter cages need to be scrupulously and safely cleaned at least once a week, refilled with clean litter, and always supplied with fresh clean water and good food. If you’re not willing to do that kind of weekly chore, keep reading
A birdie
Pet birds are gorgeous, exotic, tropical creatures with stunning plumage, but their downy feathers are likely to accumulate in every nook and cranny within 50 feet of their cages, and many birds sing, squawk, whistle, twitter, and even scream when they’re bored, hungry, or just because they feel like it. To stay healthy, birds need more than a bowl of seed every day supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables — which require preparation. Birds must always have fresh water, and most birds require attention.
Birds that come out of their cages need to have their wings clipped for safety reasons (see Chapter 17). Larger parrots need time out of their enclosures and probably want to interact with you. And birds can live for several decades! Birds also need training, if you don’t want to be nipped, that is, and regular vet care from a vet who’s experienced with birds to stay healthy.
Some people think avian interaction is just great, but many others find that they don’t have the time and, most of all, simply cannot stand the noise! Squawking from a large parrot or even a relatively diminutive conure (a kind of large parakeet) can be extremely loud. Even tiny budgies (small parakeets) are likely to spend much of the day twittering and singing. If you like these sounds, and if they add an exotic flare to your day, that’s great. If such noise drives you crazy, or if you can’t stand the idea of feather fluff and seed shells on the floor, keep reading.
An exotic
So you want to amaze your friends and intimidate your enemies with a giant snake or a prehistoric-looking iguana or a big hairy tarantula. That’s probably not the best reason for adopting an exotic pet. Snakes, lizards, and arachnids don’t require the constant care and attention that some pets do, but they need clean cages and careful handling. Some species shouldn’t be handled at all, while others tolerate but don’t require it. They do, however, require a proper and complete diet and clean, fresh water. Many exotic pets also have specific care needs, such as heated surfaces or certain types of lighting. Without them, the animals can quickly die. Before deciding on adopting one of these types of pets, you need to do some research so you know exactly what your adopted exotic pet needs
Adopting an exotic pet means accepting a certain degree of responsibility. Many people are afraid of snakes, lizards, and spiders, and some of these ani mals can actually pose a risk to humans. Making sure your exotic pet never escapes or harms anyone is your primary responsibility, but you also must be aware of local laws and ordinances that govern exotic pets. In some areas, you’re simply not allowed to own them. If you try to duck the law and keep one as a pet anyway, you risk getting caught and having the animal taken away or possibly even destroyed, if it harms someone. Are you ready for that kind of responsibility? If not . . . perhaps you really don’t need any pet at all
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