Like building any family, making the decision to go ahead and bring some fur kids into your life is a big decision. Let’s face it, for a few hundred dollars you can get your hands on more cute than you can handle. It’s a small price to pay for a lifetime of love, companionship and shoe sacrifices but explaining that ‘it’s not you, it’s me…’ when the first flush of adoration mellows is an undeservedly cruel thing to do to a creature who is hardwired to belong to a pack.
Are You Ready to be a Parent?
Really? Honestly? What are you going to be when you grow up? Cos if you’re not already who you’re gonna be when you grow up chances are you need to stack on some years before thinking doggy thoughts.
Dogs are people too – which means considering their needs carefully. Given that your dog will probably be around for at least the next decade, there’s a bit of planning to be done. A safe yard with room to exercise; company; time for walks and play; ability to pay for vets and food and willingness to spend time learning to get along are all important pre-requisites for parents-to-be.
A family impact assessment is not a bad idea either. Consider the current members of your family – are there enough responsible people involved to look after a dog’s needs? Even if you have VIP tickets to Lady Gaga in Sydney for the weekend?
Are you prepared for the unflinching honesty with which dogs sniff out the pack leader and allocate respect accordingly? If you’re not prepared to face the fact that your partner/mother/ex/cat runs your household, you may want to consider goldfish instead.
What happens if you break up with your partner? Children of fur can be devastated by divorce, as can you if your baby disappears with the new ex and the new ex’s new you. As people are rarely at their best in relationship meltdown, a prior custody agreement may alleviate some of the pain for all concerned.
Searching For that Perfect Match
Unlike your biological family, fur kids form part of what Armistead Maupin termed your ‘logical family’. You get to choose the looks, temperament, characteristics and size of your new companion. (If only partners were that easy…)
According to the RSPCA however, there’s a bit more thought required than just flicking on a handy app in sourcing your heart’s desire. Much misery and woe is created by puppy farms and dumping of unwanted pets. To avoid sustaining these practices, there are a few recommended steps to take…
Adopt a Refugee
Consider adopting a dog from a refuge. On the upside, you are providing a second chance for a dog that’s been dealt a rough deal by fate as well as opting out of the puppy trade. Before taking on a refuge dog, you will need to consider carefully if you have time and patience to work with an animal that may be stressed or have behaviour problems arising from previous mistreatment. While this may be the kind of challenge that excites you, it’s important to consider the potential impact on other members (pets or otherwise) of your household. That said, reputable organisations have rigorous assessment procedures for ensuring that animals and owners are a good match. Don’t expect good intentions alone are going to cut it when you get there – dog refuges are keen to see their charges placed with good owners so you’re going to need to make sure your own credentials as a parent-to-be are up to scratch.
www.rspcawa.asn.au
www.adoptapet.com.au
www.dogshome.org.au
Looking for Breeding?
If you have your heart set on a low allergy dog, need Dalmation spots to go with your handbag, have a small canine horse in mind or just can’t get by without spaniel ears in your life you may need to consider a specialist dog breeder.
There are plenty of traps for the unwary – newspapers, the web and web stores are likely sources of farmed puppies. Good breeders mean good, healthy dogs and ethical treatment of animals. For tips on how to find a reputable breeder see the RSPCA’s Smart Puppy Buyer’s Guide.
www.rspca.org.au/assets/files/Campaigns/Smart_Puppy_Buyers_Guide.pdf
Future-proof Your Pup
Unlike the public health system for humans there’s no hospitals for fur kids that are going to provide free treatment. If you can’t stomach making a decision between your beloved fur-encrusted stick retrieval device and going bankrupt and you don’t have substantial savings, pet insurance is a Very Good Idea.
There’s a fair range of companies these days that can provide cover – ranging from specialist companies such as Vets Own Pet Health Insurance, to large general insurance companies such as Medibank to animal welfare organisations like the RSPCA.
It’s worth shopping around, as the benefits vary between different policies. Some cover accidents only, while more comprehensive cover can be arranged that includes accident, illness and routine health maintenance. Like with ordinary health insurance it’s in the insurer’s interest to maintain optimal health and therefore many offer rebates for vaccinations, sterilisation, puppy pre-schools and other such services.
Additionally some companies provide emergency boarding if you become unwell and are unable to care for your pet – an important consideration if you are a sole parent.
www.Medibank.com.au/Pet-Insurance
www.petinsuranceaustralia.com.au
www.rspcapetinsurance.org.au
FUR KIDS – WHY THEY’RE BETTER
They come with ‘already-walking’ as standard in most models
They love everything about you, even your smelly feet (especially your smelly feet…)
They bring your stuff back. Again. And again. And Again.
You don’t have to explain why they look like you and not your partner.
A fur kid with a nice new collar improves your chances of picking up whilst jogging. A non-fur kid with a nice new collar? Not so much.
Fur kids won’t steal your car or have wild house-trashing parties while you’re away for the weekend.
A fur kid never blames you for their need for therapy.
Fur kids will always love you best and will never lie to you. Unless someone else has steak.
Zoe Carter
