Retiring-Is It Time For A Pet Or Not?

Time for a pet?

Certainly, any pet you may have won’t replace your children.  Yet, they can do wonders when it comes to filling some of the void that’s left once your children have struck out on their own.

From the moment we heard our baby’s first cry we have dedicated our lives to working for, and tending to the needs of our children.  We’ve given them more of ourselves than we’ve kept.  When they cried we comforted them.  When they were afraid, we reassured them, and when they were disappointed we encouraged them.  We have been their cook, chauffeur, mentor, teacher, counselor, coach, and most of all, their loving parent.

Therefore, it shouldn’t be a surprise that when they grow and leave, we are left with a huge hole.  We are suddenly at a loss as to what to do with our time, our energy, and our thoughts.  We are faced with the fact that we aren’t needed in the same ways we have been for so many years, and it hurts.It’s at this time in our lives that we can face some of our greatest challenges.  It’s also a time when we can enjoy the wonderful company of sharing our lives with a beloved pet.  The first choice for most is to purchase a dog. If you already own a dog, take him for walks, teach him tricks, let him ride with you to run errands, and let him curl up at your feet when watching a late night movie.

If you’re only considering getting a dog, there are some things you should think about first.  If you get a puppy you’ll need lots of time and a great deal of patience to do the puppy potty training.  Then too, the size of any dog you have should agree with the space you live in.  You won’t want to own a Great Dane if he’s going to be cooped up in a small apartment all day.

If you work outside your home, who will care for your dog while you’re away?  Is it fair to get a dog to be your companion and then leave him alone for long periods of time?  What about when you want to visit others, go on vacation, or need to move?  Can you take him with you?

There’s also an expense with owning a dog.  He needs food, shots, trips to the vet, and maybe an occasional stay at a kennel.  Puppies can also be destructive when they’re teething if there’s no one there to watch and train them.

The best thing you can do before even getting a dog is to do the research.  Learn about different breeds.  Find out if they’re notorious barkers, if their coat sheds heavily, if their temperament is easily excitable, and if they have any genetic health problems you should know about.

If after you’ve done your homework and you decide you can give a dog a good, long term home, then by all means, choose wisely when selecting your furry companion.  You will find you’re definitely needed, wanted, and loved.  Your new friend may not look like your children, but he’ll gladly accept all the doting affection your children received when they were young.  The best part is … he’ll return it, too!