Dogs are said to be man’s best friend, and they can be great companions who do not make impossible demands and give you unconditional love and loyalty.
But before choosing a pup and deciding to bring it home, you should also be aware of the responsibilities that go with bringing home a furry creature. Of course, having a pet dog can be highly rewarding – if you are ready to take on the accompanying tasks.
When pet parents are feeling tired or are too busy to look after them, the companion animals should not be ignored since pets require a lot of care, which includes feeding, exercising, and socializing. Unfortunately, many wonderful dogs end up in shelters because their owners were either too tired or too busy to train and care for them.
Once the excitement of bringing home a pet subsides, a lot of kids may find themselves getting bored or simply not ready to care for a puppy (or kitten), leaving the animal neglected because the parents are too busy to do the job.
The Bow & Wow Times lists the important things to remember before bringing a pet home or giving one as a gift:
Pets aren’t like toys. When you get bored with them, you cannot just throw them away and get another ‘toy.’ Pets are living creatures that require a big commitment, so new pet parents must be ready to face this big responsibility.
Having a pet is a personal choice. Not all recipients may want a puppy or kitten. You should also take in consideration whether the kids and the new dog will get along. This fact should be determined before acquiring or giving the pet.
If a person wants a puppy, he/she should choose the pet himself so that the fur baby is compatible with his/her lifestyle. The new pet parent must want it, agree to accept responsibility for it, and be willing to provide care for the animal.
As dogs and cats may live for more than a decade, pet parents have to invest a lot for their pets to live healthy and happy lives, and that includes choosing the right kind of pet food and getting playthings to keep the pets happily occupied and visiting the vet.
Indeed, the commitment to a newly acquired pet must last the lifetime of that animal, not just on holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day. So before deciding to give a puppy or kitten (or any other animal) as a gift, remember: Pets are forever.
Learn all you need to know about being a good pet parent, and stock up on quality meals, toys and accessories for your pooch or kitty. Visit Bow & Wow, with branches at Level 6 of Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City; at the lower ground floor of Greenbelt 5, Makati City; at the 2nd floor, Al Fresco, Robinsons Magnolia in New Manila, Quezon City; at the ground floor of Excelsior in Eastwood City, Libis, Q.C.; and at the New Wing of Ayala Center, Cebu. For more information, log on to
www.bowandwow.com.ph.
