pawsomepets
FAMILY FEATURES Adding a four-legged friend to
the family is no small decision,
and it’s easy to get distracted
by sweet eyes pleading to be
taken home. Becoming a dog parent is
a major commitment, so it’s important
to do your research and make wellinformed
choices before deciding on a
new dog.
No matter what stage of acquiring a
dog you’re in, educate yourself about your
options. A resource like Be Dog Smart, an
online tool designed to guide consumers
through the process of look ing for a dog,
can help you every step of the way,
regardless of whether you’re considering
getting a dog from a professional breeder,
pet store, friend, family member or
adopting from a shelter or rescue.
By asking the right questions,
researching credible sources and
request ing transparency from those
who provide companion animals, you
can rest assured you are taking the
right steps to bring home a new furry
family member.
Take smarter steps to bring your new
fur-baby home with these tips from the
Pet Leadership Council, the creators of
the Be Dog Smart initiative:
1. Determine the responsible
environment you would like to
acquire your dog from. One way
to ensure those who raise and supply
dogs maintain proper care standards is
to understand the acquisition process
and thoroughly vet breeders, retailers,
shelters and rescues before supporting
their operations. Ask questions about
their businesses, policies, animal
care and referral sources. Visit the
locations personally to get a sense
for the environment before making
a decision. Once you settle on a
source for your dog, interview several
How to Find the Right
Dog for Your Family
For example, if you work long hours, you’ll need to
consider ways for your dog to be let outside during
the day. Although some breeds require less space for
exercise, all dogs need daily activity and regular access
to relieve themselves.
3. Think about the time and monetary investment.
Dogs typically do not understand being left in their
crates because you have a busy work schedule or
social life. Contemplate your available time and how
you would adjust to accommodate your pet. The same
essentials such as food, grooming items and veterinary
care as well as extras like toys and treats before making
the commitment.
mixed breeds. With so many breeds of dogs available,
Purebred dogs, which are dogs whose parents belong to
temperament, health issues, grooming needs and energy
breeds or are mixed breeds themselves, have a lower
chance of being born with inherited congenital diseases
and often inherit only the best traits from each parent.
5.
Puppies are typically sweet and fun, and there are
advantages to bonding with a puppy from its earliest
stages of life. However, puppies quickly grow and can
require a lot of work and training. Puppies are also
more likely to be destructive. At rescues and shelters
due to their owner’s life circumstances, not anything
they did wrong. These dogs can be wonderful additions
to a family and may be house trained and have previous
basic command training, but there is a possibility of not
getting a clear understanding of the dog’s past.
For additional tips and to learn more, visit BeDogSmart.org.
Boarding Dog Grooming
and Daycare
AWE FOR PET’S SAKE
PET RESORT
813.395.5417
5550 7th St. • Zephyrhills
Call for Appointment
813.782.1122
BUSINESS HOURS
Monday - Saturday
8:00am - 12:00pm
2:30pm - 6:30pm
Sunday
10:00am - 12:00pm
DAYCARE HOURS
Full Day
8:00am - 6:30pm
Half Day
8:00am - 12:00pm
2:30pm - 6:30pm
BOARDING HOURS
Check In Time
2:30pm - 6:30pm
Check Out Time
8:00am - 12:00pm
SHOTS REQUIRED
(Proof of Vaccination)
Dogs: Bordetella
Rabies
Email: AweForPetsSake@gmail.com • Fax: 813.395.5426
46 • JANUARY 2020 813.682.9364 FLORIDA WOMEN MAGAZINE
/BeDogSmart.org
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