How to Find a Pet Companion for Life

The number of healthy dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies that are euthanized (killed) each day in the United States is almost too big for the average person to comprehend. The estimates range from source to source, but mid-ranges are roughly between 6 to 8 million pets euthanized each year. This translates to 16,438 to 21,917 pets euthanized each DAY. Some annual estimates are as high as 12 million. I don't even want to do the math for that one. (Figures are from various sources, including, but not limited to: Cornell University , PetSmart Charities , and the Humane Society of the United States .)

My heart goes out to these former pets, especially dogs, which are euthanized each year by the Humane Society. Owners may have improperly chosen a dog that was not suitable to their personality, lifestyle and environment. Diverse, distinctive and devoted, purebred dogs offer a lifetime of companionship and fun. Because their characteristics and personalities vary so greatly, it's best to choose a breed suited to you. Doing so will eliminate the number of unwanted pets received by the Human Society that are euthanized. You'll also have a companion you will cherish and who will be loyal to only you for many years.

The guidelines below will help you in selecting a companion for life:

Find the right breed

A good place to start your research is the American Kennel Club's "The Complete Dog Book", available at most bookstores and libraries. It describes all breeds currently recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). These descriptions, or standards, include information on the size, weight, accepted colors and other physical characteristics and temperaments of the individual breeds. There is information on each breed's origins as well. Because so much is known about every breed's ancestry, we are able to predict how your puppy will grow to look and act. By learning all you can about your prospective pet's heritage and seeing his parents, you will get a reasonably accurate idea of what your pet will look like, how he will behave and what instinctual abilities he will possess as an adult. That's one of the great advantages of owning a purebred dog ... their predictability.

Ask the right questions - what questions should you be asking?

a. Temperament is a primary concern. Most breeds are developed with specific functions; some were bred to hut at their side of their master, while others were left to guard herds of sheet. The job your prospective pet was bred to perform may give you insight into how well he will accept visitors into your home or how he will behave around children. You are therefore advised to be sure to find out all you can about your pet's origin.

b. The size your dog will grow must be considered. Size is especially a concern if you live in an apartment or a planned community. How much exercise will your dog require? Some dogs are very athletic by nature and are happiest with a good deal of exercise. While all dogs need regular exercise, some breeds are happy with frequent walks, while others need room to run.

c. How much care will your dog need? While all dogs need care, some breeds require frequent grooming to continue to look their best. Long-coated dogs are beautiful, but keeping their coats in good condition requires work or regular visits to a groomer. So make sure you know how much coat care your dog will need before you buy.

d. Training your dog is also a consideration. Basic obedience training is essential for all dogs. While some breeds are better suited for more specific types of training, a well-mannered dog makes the best companion.

e. What health issues exist in the breed? What type of health screens have been developed to test for these problems? Like people, all animals need occasional health care. These are important considerations that must be resolved before choosing a breed.

Once you have identified the breed that suits you and your lifestyle best, review your choice. Make sure you have a clear sense of the responsibilities involved in owning a dog. Becoming a pet owner is a long-term commitment. Be certain your chosen breed will suit your environment and way of life. It's a choice you will live with for years.

Now that you have identified the breed that you feel suits you best, it's time for some "fieldwork".

Find the right breeder

The next step in the process is finding a responsible breeder. Some people breed dogs only to produce puppies to sell. These individuals have no regard for the advancement of their breed; they are motivated solely by profit. Responsible breeders will never breed a litter without the advancement of the breed in mind. Each litter should improve the quality of the breeding stock, resulting in healthy puppies whose physical attributes are advancement toward the ideal.

Learn the right way to choose a puppy

Look for healthy, outgoing puppies that are in good condition. Are they clean, bright-eyed and full of energy? Are the breeder's facilities clean, secure and well-maintained? Ask to see the dam (mother) of the puppies. If she is not available, ask why not. Ask about the health issues that concern the breed. Your homework will have made you aware of these. Ask if the sire (father) and dam have been screened for these problems. If the answer to any of these questioned have not been answered to your satisfaction, look for another breeder.

Ask about spaying or neutering and what guidance the breeder can give you on these important considerations. Be sure to ask about inoculations and how often the pup should be fed and exercised. These are all things you will want to know about your new pet.

Learn the right way to buy

The AKC states: "The breeder of the puppy MUST be willing to furnish you with one of the three following items or you should consider finding another breeder:

-A properly completed AKC registration application .

-The pup's AKC registration certificate, properly completed, transferring ownership to you.

-A bill of sale listing the sire and dam of your puppy and their AKC registration numbers, the date the puppy was born, the puppy's sex and color, the name and address of the breeder, and the name and address of the buyer. If the seller won't furnish the properly completed AKC forms or a bill of sale, don't buy the dog."

They also advise; if you or anyone in your family has reservations about the purchase of a pet, don't buy one. Dogs are a great source of enjoyment for those who truly desire them, but they are not for everyone.

Know the right time to buy

Whenever a new pet comes into the home, it should be the center of attention. Wait until you and your family have the time and energy to help your new pet adapt to the changes in his life before buying. Holidays, with all their hustle and bustle, are not a good time for a new pet and his new family to get to know each other. So be fair to your pup, and wait until you have time to spend with him before bringing him home. You'll both be glad you did.

So now you own a new pet. You will soon see how much your hard work and research will reward you with companionship, love and devotion for life.