HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT DOG How did I wind up with the perfect dog? My dog is plain and simply, my best friend. She is a graceful Spanador named Cadey. Cinco de Mayo of 2005: celebrations, music and good times on the day Cadey was born. One part black lab, one part spaniel she had to be the cutest infant puppy in history. Unfortunately, I wasn't there. I hadn't even thought about this dog, who was born three states away. It happened though, that three years later this puppy would be the one who cuddles next to my ankles under the blankets. Her small, black nose poked through the square hole of her link-fence style cage. I crouched down to eye-level looking at this sweet baby girl. Our noses touched. Cadey and I met when she was right around a year and a half. Two days of processing and a spay surgery later, I brought her home. She is perfect. How did I find her? Here are some pointers for your search: 1. Know what you want, but don't wear blinders--do some research online, look at the possibilities out there. I hadn't even met a Spanador before Cadey. There are hundreds and hundreds of breeds out there. 2. Consider personality trends--for example, labs tend to be very gentle, playful, good with kids type of dog. Dachshounds, on the other hand, are the clowns of canines. They are stubborn and clever (when bored this is a dangerous combination.) 3. Visit the Humane Society--consider each dog and picture that one in your house, what that would look like. Imagine walking him, feeding him, exercising him (dogs need exercise like humans, they hate NOT getting enough.) 4. Re-visit the Humane Society--if you didn't find the perfect dog last week, that doesn't mean she's not going to be there next week. I almost didn't get Cadey, just because she was in the outdoor side of her cage when I was inside. Look closely, especially when there are multiple dogs together. 5. Click--play with the dog you're considering. She may not trust you yet, so consider it a blind date. The more you prove your loyalty, the more she'll reciprocate. Getting a dog is one of the most exciting ventures. Have fun. Be patient, loving, kind and all that good stuff. |