| This article is
recommended by Helen, who hopes that it will serve as a guideline
specially for first-timers who wish to adopt or own a dog.
ARE YOU MEANT
FOR ME?
Dogs For
Working Owners
Most working people lead lives in which
time is at a premium. They spend long hours away from home, and must-do
errands and domestic chores occupy much of their time outside of work.
Their most sensible choice in a canine companion would be a
low-maintenance dog, one that requires minimal to moderate grooming and
low to moderate exercise. A dog with a self-sufficient temperament that
would be happiest with such folks. Some breeds that fit criteria are
listed below:
- Bull Terrier
- French Bulldog
- German Shepherd
- Greyhound
- Mastiff
- Norwegian Elkhond
- Pug
- Scottish Terrier
- Standard Poodle
- Wippet
Dogs For
Young Couples
When the issue is dog care, young couples
benefit from the old adage that many hands make light work. Because
there are two people to pitch in with grooming and exercise, they can
often manage a higher maintenance dog than a single person could. Two
family members also can provide plenty of attention and affection to
higly people oriented dogs. The following is a list of some of the
breeds that can fill the role of active, sociable canine playmate in a
household of two:
- Airedale Terrier
- Beagle
- Boxer
- Golden Retriever
- Kheshond
- Labrador Retriever
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Siberian Husky
- Soft-Coated Wheaten
Terrier
- West Highland White
Terrier
Dogs For
Seniors
Seniors who are retired or semi-retired
have the luxury of ample time to spend with a dog. They may also live in
a small homes where a large or extremely boisterous dogs just wouldn't
fit. Operating on these assumptions, then, a sampling of small,
sociable, manageable dog whose exercise needs can be met indoors or with
a leisurely stroll follows:
- Any toy breed
- American Cocker
Spaniel
- Bichon Frise
- Boston Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Norfolk Terrier
- Norwich Terrier
- Tibetan Terrier
THE DOG 10 COMMANDMENTS
-
My
life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you
will be painful for me. Remember that BEFORE you get me.
-
Give
me time to understand what you want from me.
-
Place
your trust in me. It is crucial to my well-being.
-
Don't
be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You
have your work, entertainment and friends. I have only YOU.
-
Talk
to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand
your voice.
-
Be
aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget.
-
Please
don't hit me. I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch and I
really don't want to do that.
-
Before
you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask
yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting
the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long or my heart is
getting old and weak.
-
Take
care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.
-
Go
with me on difficult journeys. NEVER say, "I can't bear
to watch, or let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier
for me if YOU are there.
Remember, I LOVE
YOU!!
Written by the Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center
Published by the SPCA of Pinellas County, Florida
Submitted by Julie Martin
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