| THINKING
ABOUT GETTING A DOG OR CAT > LOOKING
FOR A COMPANION ANIMAL > PREFERENCES |
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after you have considered the questions about your needs and
expectations should you think about preferences. Keeping in
mind what you have learned from thinking about the previous
questions, now ask yourself: |
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Who is your favorite
dog or cat? |
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What is that
dog or cat like? |
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What is it that
you find beguiling about her? |
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What kinds of
things have affected her personality? Has that particular
animal had a great deal of training? Is it an older animal?
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Would that animal’s
personality, behavior, energy level, and needs fit in
well with your family? |
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Do you prefer
that the animal live indoors, or in the yard? (Keep in
mind that a cat’s life expectancy is shortened to
an average of six years if it is an “outdoor”
cat, and that dogs often develop barking, digging, and
escaping problems is they are left all day in a yard without
significant environmental enrichment. All outdoor animals
should always have a shelter on a raised platform, a supply
of fresh water, and a source of shade. Fences should be
at least eight feet high for dogs. Also keep in mind that
animals can easily be trained to eliminate in appropriate
areas and to chew appropriate toys. If adult animals have
a chance to relieve themselves in the morning and when
you return from work, they can generally go for eight
to ten hours without a potty break.) |
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Do you want to
adopt an animal, or to purchase one from a breeder? |
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Would you like
a puppy, an adolescent, or an adult animal? (Puppies take
the most time and energy, with adolescents coming in at
a close second.) |
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Once you
have a good idea of what your perfect companion should
be like, you can begin to evaluate
the dogs and cats you meet, at the breeders or in
a shelter. |
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