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Parenting Kids Through Times of Change

We live in transitional times. Each of us is affected by change, whether it be a job change, a relationship change, a financial change or even a health-related change. Kids feel...

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Our Adopting a Pet Experts

Diana L. Guerrero

Diana L. Guerrero

Animal behaviorist and author of Blessing of the Animals...

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Dr. Robyn Jaynes

Dr. Robyn Jaynes

Pet care expert for PetSmart

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Warren Eckstein

Warren Eckstein

Pet trainer and author of Pet Aerobics

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Tips

One Wild Time!

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Adopting a pet may seem like big change, but it’s easy when you’re given the right tools…and it’s very rewarding. Your pet will keep you company, lavish you with affection, make you laugh, make you cry and transform your life.

Bringing a pet into your home is a big step. You’ll feel the excitement of a new beginning and the pleasure of your pet’s emerging personality and friendship, but you may also worry about meeting his needs and feel frustrated by the demands of his new routine. These email tips will help you navigate the practical and emotional challenges of adopting a pet.

During the next 30 days, you can expect to:

  • Research various pets and determine which is the best fit.
  • Determine the needs and demands of your new pet.
  • Buy necessary supplies and food.
  • Acclimate your pet to his new home.
  • Find the professionals you need to keep your pet healthy and happy.
  • Bond with your new pet and welcome him into the family.


As you and your new pet begin a lifetime together, we’ll be here to offer tips, resources and testimonials to help you on your way!

DID YOU KNOW? Of all U.S. households, 63% have pets—that’s 69 million households, and approximately 363 million animals. All those people and pets must be onto something. They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but your best friend might be a cat, bird, fish, rabbit, gecko or even a pig!

Posted: 11/7/09
«Previous Tip
sheilaemoffatt

What about when the pet picks you? Yes I said you. I already have 5 dogs and each one is like a child to me and my husband. Mind you these are not small dogs. The smalledst is "Dude". Dude is a Beagle / Jack Russel mix with an attitude! We inhereited him when my X mother in law passed away 2 years ago. I had brought him home for my then sister in law she likes Jack russels. Well, Dude did not like it in that house..he kept running away...all I would do is holler his name and he would come running and about bow me away....knocking me over. I brought him home with me...and he has been happy ever since....
now this is not the only one....in June of this year (2008) we had a stray yellow lab/ golden retreiver mix show up here at the house after 5 days being here I called the local humane society...they had notified me that he was lost... and had called the owner....they lived down the road and over the hill from us...they came and got him. Think that was the end of it? Not a chanve!....Every week for a perioed of not more than 4 days apart...he would hsoe up here again. I would call his owner and they would pick him up....as of last friday Sept 5th his owner came loking for him again....sure enough I told him..yep he is here...has been since yesterday morning....cometo find out this man had bought a kennel for "Bill" he climed out of it...so he bought a 6 ft one...he climebed out of it to...so he resorted to chaining him....and after naumerous chains being broken and colors being lost....he always found his way back to us. Any how back to the story, last firday...when the owner came for him....I told him if there is ever a time that he is to be gone any length of time...just let us know he can drop him off here with us...that way he knows where he is...and that he is being taken care of...the owner hung his head and said "Thats just it...I have to go to Texas for an extended amount of time, I do not know when I will be coming back....I was looking for him to chain him up again...." I just told him, leave him here ...we can look after him and love him...till you get back...he will end up here anyhow...this way I know to bring him in at night and will not have to worry.....he is here with us...he is learning and is thriving here....he sure is a happy pup...found out he is just 9 months old....and his feet are already the size of the palm of my hand.....he has got alot fo growing to do yet...