Greensheet (Dallas, Tex.), Vol. 31, No. 217, Ed. 1 Friday, November 9, 2007 Page: 5 of 52
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November 9-15, 2007
Page 5
Pets
Purrrfect Pets
Here's the scoop on adopting, buying, and caring for a
furry little friend.
By: Christie Bohm Chase, Staff Writer
Cats and dogs have been household pets for
over 14,000 years and are part of the family in
one-third of all American households. Research
has shown that petting, caring for, and loving
an animal can make people healthier and
happier, which can lead to longer, fuller lives.
Pet-owners share strong bonds with their pets,
and most elderly people have ample time and
love to give to a pet.
While pets bring great joy to people, bringing
an animal into your life is a major commitment.
If you prepare, plan and educate yourself about
what is required to own a pet, your experience
will more than likely be one of the best of your
life. Generally, dogs need more attention,
exercise, and training than cats; however, cats
can scratch furniture when cooped up inside.
As a potential pet owner you should read books
on care, various breeds, and training, as well
as talk to veterinarians and breeders so that
you know what you are getting into before you
bring home a furry friend.
Choosing A Loyal Companion
For many older Amercians, a pet can fill a
social gap left in ones life after he or she retires
and slows down. According to the People's
Animal Welfare Society, in a study of people
aged 65-78 years who owned dogs that they
walk daily, the dog was a major focus of
conversations with neighbors, and their
conversation focused on the present or the
future, whereas non-pet owners conversation
often was reminiscent on the past. Pets attract
attention, which is often needed by older
people.
Important considerations when choosing a
pet are cost, animal care needs, and your own
physical limitations. Ask your veterinarian for
advice when choosing a dog breed. Prior to
getting a pet you should find out how much it
will cost. Factor food, grooming, toys,
medications and vet bills into your budget.
Here is a little information on a few of the most
common household pets.
Dogs prefer close contact with their owners,
and generally can not be left alone for more
than eight to ten hours. There are many
different breeds of dogs, each exhibiting
different characteristics and temperaments.
Large breeds need space and usually a fenced
yard; so, if you have a small apartment opt for a
smaller breed.
Cats make great pets because they can
adapt to almost any environment. When raised
indoors, usually they don't mind being confined
their entire lives. Unlike dogs, they don't mind
being alone much of the day; however, even
though cats are considered more independent
than dogs, many like affection and attention.
Birds are slightly more fragile than other
pets. Birds, especially large ones, can usually
adapt to any environment. Most birds are easy
to care for, but require frequent cage cleanings.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are
popular pets for small areas. Frequent cage
cleaning is needed, and these pets can get
easily frightened, so don't place them in a noisy
area of the house.
Tender Loving Care
If you bring home a new pet, follow these
general health to ensure your pet's good
health.
• Young animals need to be vaccinated
against dangerous infectious diseases
beginning at six to eight weeks.
• Puppies and kittens need rabies
vaccinations, which should be
boostered a year later. They should be
repeated according to local animal-
health official's policy.
• Kittens, especially ones entering a
multi-cat house, should be tested for
feline leukemia virus and feline
immunodeficiency virus. If the kitten is
healthy, the vet should start its shots.
The series of shots for cats and dogs
usually takes three visits.
• If you do not intend to breed your
animal, have her/him neutered or
spayed (depending upon gender) at
approximately six months of age. Not
only does it help with controlling the
animal population, but it decreases the
incidences of infection or cancer of the
reproductive system.
How Much is that
Doggie in the Window?
There are just as many places for you to get
a pet, as there are various types of pets. Pet
stores usually sell a wide variety of pets
including cats, dogs, hamsters, lizards,
bunnies, fish and birds. Your choice in where
you look for a pet, will be determined by how
you intend to use your pet. For example, with
dogs if you are looking for a specific breed,
champion hunter or a show dog, you will want
to consult top breeders. On the other hand if
you do not care what breed you get and are
looking for a loyal companion who likes to catch
a Frisbee and walk around the block, you might
be happy adopting from your local animal
shelter. No matter what breeder, store, or
shelter you finally choose, remember to explore
all your options.
A visit to an animal shelter is kind of like a
visit to a thrift store. Sometimes it is overflowing
with a wonderful variety of healthy animals, and
other times the pickings are slim. Check your
local phone book for animal protection
agencies in your area. It may take you a few
trips to find the perfect pet, but you will feel
good that you have adopted a homeless
animal. Shelters can be one of the least
expensive ways to get a pet. Usually, you make
a required donation to the shelter, and you
receive your pet with all its shots and a free
spay or neuter. Most dogs and cats in shelters
are mixed breeds. Spend some time with your
animal of choice to make sure that it has
acquired good traits from its ancestors, and not
any destructive or aggressive tendencies.
Before committing to the purchase or
adoption of any pet, you may consider having a
vet look at the pet for possible health defects.
Keeping Your Pal
Happy and Healthy
• House training won't take place
overnight and at first you can expect a
few mishaps around the house. Don't
punish your new pet, just clean up the
mess and continue to patiently guide
him to the appropriate spot.
• Animals can be wonderful playmates for
children, but they are not toys. Children
under the age of three should never be
left unsupervised with an animal, no
matter how trustworthy the pet or the
child are.
• Dry food is the most common form of
dog and cat food, because it is healthy ,
easy to store, and economical to buy.
Choose one that has been tested on
animals, is nutritionally complete and
suits your pet's stage of life.
Senior Living
Assisted Living
2
CHOICES make
the DIFFERENCE
Come by for a visit and see for yourself how our assisted
living and memory care programs have enriched the
lives of our residents. Share the company of friends and
neighbors in a community designed for senior adults.
• Monthly rent; no buy-in fees
• Private apartments
• Delicious meals
• Housekeeping and linen services
• Social and recreational activities
• Paid utilities; except phone and cable
• Specialized memory care programs
Call us today to schedule your personal
tour and complimentary meal.
Ask about our five-day free stays.
restart
ASSISTED LIVING AND
MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY
214-357-7900
4205 West Northwest Highway * Dallas TX 75220 A
www. Presto tiHollo wA LF. co m • #30 J 56, #30155 Slissi
THE Daily Commuter Puzzle Edited by Wayne Robert Williams
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1 Rubbernecks
6 Inclined roadway
10 Glaswegian
14 Dodge
15 Wicked
16 Corned-beef dish
17 In accordance with law
19 Ms. Bombeck
20 Spanish bull
21 Noble's domain
23 Kitchen storage
27 Andy of "Andy's Gang"
28 "Typee" sequel
29 Long, long time
31 Sells
32 Steinway products
35 "Them" author
37 Asnerand Sullivan
38 Gregorian performer
40 Sort
43 West Point beginner
44 Practice session
46 Scope or chip lead-in
49 Blond shade
51 Musical medley
52 Open up
54 Apartment building
57 Adhesive label
59 Fixed charge
60 Solitary
61 '50s president
66 Squid squirts
67 Scads
68 Silly
69 Military meal
70 Remain
71 Yielded
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1 Styling product
2 Bottle of brew
3 Small thickset dog
4 Single copy
5 Firmly fixed
6 Out of the way
7 Gardner of "On the
Beach"
8 Tiny bit
9 Seek mercy
10 Puts aside
11 Designer Pierre
12 Donny or Marie
13 Reading river
18 Anger
22 Midnight rider
23 Deal with competently
24 Surrounded by
25 Feathery scarves
26 At the earliest date
30 Rebellious Turner
33 "Twelve High"
34 That woman
36 Part of GTE
39 Lawyers' org.
40 Capri or Man
41 Cut of meat
42 Windsor or granny
43 Method
45 Unspecified person
46 Adherent of Islam
47 Chant
48 Chain noises
50 Theological dissent
53 Ships' lengths
55 Fabray, familiarly
56 Moral code
58 Wild disorder
62 RR depot
63 Quantity of gum
64 Wind dir.
65 Stop color
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Greensheet (Dallas, Tex.), Vol. 31, No. 217, Ed. 1 Friday, November 9, 2007, newspaper, November 9, 2007; Dallas, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth439985/m1/5/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; .