Hi
,
Are you and your spouse animal lovers? Christmas is a great time for pet adoption. Here are few interesting tidbits about pets:
Research shows that pets are a great stress reliever because
they’re a source of unconditional love.
Married couples with pets increase their chances of having a more satisfying relationship, respond better in highly stressful situations, and are less likely to have stress-related illnesses such as high blood pressure.
What you need to know about
adopting pets…
Let’s not sugar coat it. Pets require lots of energy, time and money. This can be stressful and burdensome.
That cuddly little creature that makes you go “Awwwwwwwww” depreciates real fast in the cuteness department if you’re lukewarm about adopting it.
There will be years
of “pooper-scooper” responsibilities, cleaning pet hair off stuff, regular baths because of dirt and saliva…not to mention regularly bathing your pet…, walks, playtime…
If this sounds like a blast, a pet might make a great gift!
But here’s where the trouble come in. Sometimes a spouse is so excited about getting a pet that they don’t talk it through with their partner. Instead, they come home and say, “Surprise! Look what I got YOU for Christmas!"
It’ll be a surprise all right...
Please
make sure beforehand that your spouse wants one too...unless you don't mind owning two dog houses, one for you and one for Fido - and that's if you're lucky, because most of the time you and Fido would be sharing one.
(And please, please don’t get yourself a pet as a present and then sneak a pooper-scooper into your partner’s Stocking, If you do, don’t expect glad tidings of great joy on
Christmas morning....)
Boundaries
This is the other thing people conveniently forget to discuss.
Here’s
a common one: You love the pet so much that you feel it really needs to be with you inside where it can get lots and lots of love.
But your partner believes that what your new-found cuddle-buddy needs is lots and lots of fresh air and sunshine.
So, what's it going to be? Inside or outside?
If you’re lucky enough to have a spouse that doesn’t mind the pet being indoors, will your house become home on the range for Fido, or will
there boundaries?
You might not mind sharing the covers with your “best” friend…BUT your partner, formerly known as your best friend, might not appreciate competing for pillow space with Fido or his minty-fresh good night kiss.
Just some things to keep in mind when thinking about adopting a
pet.
Finding the right pet…
About cats: Cats love attention.
They
require companionship and playtime daily.
And that old myth about cats having nine lives? It’s kind of true. Well, not really but it’ll sure seem like it sixteen years later into the relationship after they’ve gained twenty-five and gone through a few thousand cans of Fancy Feast.
About dogs: Learn
about the different breeds first.
I remember visiting a pet store shortly after the remake of 101 Dalmatians a few years ago. People were adopting Dalmatians like crazy! Guess what else they were doing. RETURNING Dalmatians because they were driving them crazy!
Each breed has a unique character. So it’s important to choose one that’s compatible with you and your family. (If you’re a low-energy family, please don’t get a Dalmatian…)
Also, consider the space and environment you’d be bringing the dog into. Cages and isolation are frustrating to dogs; dogs are very, very
social.
The holiday season is a great time to adopt a pet. A pet can lift your spirits and fill your home with so much love and cheer.
And this year there are so many pets in need because of the
horrible hurricane season that recently ended.
Get a pet if you really want one but make sure you think it through first.
Until next time, this is Mike Tucker & I want YOU to be mad about
marriage.
