EDMOND — I’ve often wondered what percent of puppy purchases are made following a period of thoughtful planning versus a spur of the moment emotional whim. After reading recently published figures regarding the number of euthanasias performed yearly at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter, I’m inclined to believe that a large number of new puppies are acquired by people who’ve employed little or no forethought.
The time for deciding whether to buy, as well as how, when, and where to do it, is before you look into those big, brown, longing eyes of a cute puppy.
An impulse decision, sadly, often leads to later regrets.
As companion animals go, most dogs are unmatched in their devotion, loyalty, and friendship — it should be viewed as a privilege to own one — but it also is a big responsibility when you take a dog into your life. One needs to think seriously about the commitment — sometime for 15 to 20 years — that this entails.
The American Kennel Club provides a comprehensive list of 101 important factors to consider if you’re serious about adding a new pup to your family. You can find this list on the Internet at www.akc.org. I think you’ll find the list interesting and quite informative. Here’s just a sampling of their recommendations:
• Think first.
• Make a commitment.
• Keep your dog healthy.
• Keep your dog safe.
• Train your dog.
• Evaluate your lifestyle.
• Neuter or breed responsibly.
• Ask questions.
• Consider an older dog.
• Buy some toys.
• Find a good veterinarian.
• Be your dog’s best friend.
• Consider the overall cost.
That last item on the short list above is significant. Milton Friedman is credited, in his 1975 book, with the quote, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.” Ditto; there’s no such thing as a free puppy. Unless you’re willing and able to spend a healthy chunk of money on your dog in the immediate future, it might be smart to delay your acquisition until you can better afford it. While visiting the subject of cost, consider these factors:
• Feeding one large dog high quality food costs an average of $80 a month. Cheaper dog foods can be problematic healthwise.
• Veterinary costs, like everything else, have skyrocketed in the last 10 years, some special care procedures now costing thousands.
• Toys, treats, collars, leashes and grooming costs add to the total.
• Flea, tick and heartworm preventives for a large dog can cost up to $300 a year.
• Boarding costs add up in a hurry at $15 to $20 a day.
• After hours emergency care=big bucks.
Sound like I’m anti-dog ownership? — Not at all. I simply hope to remind folks to fully understand exactly what they’re getting into before they take that leap. With a better understanding they’re more likely to be a solid, responsible dog owner or care giver for the long haul and thus, hopefully, a few less dogs will end up on the euthanasia list at the animal shelter in the future.
This list for the fiscal year 2007, at the Oklahoma City Shelter alone, included more than 19,000 dogs and cats whose only crime was that of being homeless and unwanted. What a shame. One final thought, the responsibilities of dog ownership are large — the rewards are many.
DR. WILLIAM K. FAUKS is a retired Oklahoma City veterinarian. If you have any questions regarding the health of your pet, please write to “Ask a Vet,” at 3142 Venice Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73112, or e-mail bfauks1@aol.com.
Columns
May 27, 2008
Finding the right dog takes planning
- Columns
-
- Australian Cabernet Sauvignon sparkles Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s finest red wine grapes.
- Brides find unique style at Vintner’s Cellar Vintner’s Cellar custom winery will provide your wedding with a unique experience that cannot be matched.
- Speaking Cabernet Franc(ly) This is the fourth in a six part-series on the six varietals that make up the Bordeaux blend, or Meritage, as it is known in the New World.
- Sauté for a quick and easy meal every time! Sautéing is a method of cooking food over medium high heat, with a minimum amount of fat.
- Plan now for spring It’s over as quick as it began. The presents are gone, the stockings are deflated and the winter-time snacks have come to a lull.
- 12-26 God Squad The competition is not fair! Chanukah is a minor Jewish holiday celebrating the Maccabees’ victory to maintain monotheism against the pressure of a pagan world. Christmas is one of the world’s greatest holidays. It combines presents, great music (much of it written by Jews, thank you very much), twinkling trees, a jolly figment of our imagination who tends flying reindeer and, at the root of it all, the hoped-for redeemer of our broken world.
- Petit Verdot: the littlest sister This is the second of six columns in which The Cork Guy will investigate the blending of Bordeaux and Bordeaux-style wines sometimes referred to as Meritage.
- A Chef’s Paradise I recently traveled to Seattle for a weekend getaway. I have often heard of this magical place filled with the freshest fish, seafood, fruits and vegetables.
- What goes around might come around What goes around generally does come around, but not always.
- Family fun warms holiday traditions Christmas traditions are often started by making the same mistake two years in row.
- More Columns Headlines
