Organize Your Pet

My family has been talking about getting another dog all week. Our dog Reece has been having a lot of trouble with his hips and his back. Although he is 11 years old, and we knew this time would come, it is still heartwrenching to see his body start to fail him. Reece has been the most amazing dog ever. He is sweet, protective, calm and great with kids. We rescued him while living in Florida before we were even married-our firstborn. He has since lived in three states with us and has survived us adding two more members to our family. He is now our children's best friend.

We feel that now would be a good time to adopt another dog because it is summer, we have the time and Reece could help us train it. I was thinking to myself that I should have a "How to Choose the Right Dog" checklist in my next book! Here is what we need in a dog for he or she to be a good match to our family:

_ Medium size (although our daughter would love a little dog to tote around and I have always wanted a Newfoundland)

_Good with Children

_Protective

_Calm, not too hyper

_Bonus would be a breed that doesn't shed much!

Organize Your Pet
Deciding on a pet is a BIG deal. This animal should be part of your family for a long time. I am a firm believer that once you bring a pet home, you should be responsible for training it and caring for it for as long as it lives-with the exception of very agressive behavior like biting. I am sure there have been days when the thought of sending your child back, has crossed your mind, but it is just not an option!

I have had a lot of differnent pets in my life. Being the oldest of three girls I can tell you that my father could barely tell us no when we asked for a new pet. I know sometimes pets can be a lot of work and a pain in the rear but I have to tell you my sisters and I still smile when we reminise about our previous pets. We loved them and they brought us so much joy.


* This week's goal is to clean up and organize your pet supplies.

__ Choose a conveninet place to store and organize all of your pet supplies.

__ Gather up all of your pet's accessories and organize them in the newly designated pet area.

__ Toss: everything broken, unsafe, treats they don't like

__ Wash all bowls and water dispensers.

__ Schedule your pet's next vet appointment.

__ Set up a file for all of your pet's information: vet records, license number, etc.


Tips:

* Coat your pet's food dish with a non-flavored, nonstick cooking spray to eliminate leftover food getting caked onto the bowl.

* Place all flea medication on a high shelf or cupboard so that your children can not get into it.