How Much is that Doggy in the Window?

This is Frankie and Ollie:                                               

Frankie is a bit camera-shy, though I don't know of what he's ashamed!  He's a four-to-five-year old mixed breed border collie that came from a farm in Bolivar.  He was the runt of the litter who's mom wouldn't feed, so my bleeding-heart of a boyfriend couldn't resist.  I will discuss later that this isn't a solid choice, but it worked out for us.  He's my step-dog, but I love him like he's my own. 

Ollie is in every way the opposite counterpart of Frank.  We named her Olive, but no one ever calls their pets by their real names.  She's obnoxious and flighty, but I'm still hoping that I can love the hate right out of her.  She is a little over a year old and is some mix of a bob-tailed cat and a long-haired domestic cat.  She has a twitching half-tail and we think her dad may have been a rabbit (note:  different species cannot actually mate with each other).

I feel the need to introduce my own pets because they facilitate the best advice I can come up with for the day.  I'm always running into problems that I would otherwise be ignorant of had I not spent four years in a pet care industry.  I have a lot to talk about, but for now, I will start with the basics. 

 

You Want WHAT?

My best advice to someone that has had the domestic urge to have children is this:  Have you owned a dog before?  If they haven't, I would be led to believe that they have no earthly idea how to care for a child.  It is much easier to own and care for a dog than a human being, so I encourage everyone to attempt this route first.

 

Picking Out Your Friend
I cannot stress enough how important it is to take your time when deciding on a pet.  A lot of people base their decision off of how cute a dog is when it's a puppy.  A few things are wrong with this scenario:

1. The dog could require the opposite living environment that you currently have.
2. He/she could have a personality that cramps your style.
3. The dog could be really ugly as an adult. 
4. I'm serious.  Like, hideous:
   
   
   
   
   

   

   He could win a contest, though.

   
   

"I Should Have Known It Wouldn't Work: He was a Type A; I was a Type B!"
Honestly, the best thing to do is take a "personality test" that will tell you what kind of dog would be a great match.  I recommend Animal Planet's Dog Breed Selector because it has the option to choose "no preference".  It said that I would be well-matched with a corgi which is a dog I actually had in mind for future lovability.  There are some instances where people end up with the dog of their dreams with little to no research, but I assure you that these are flukes.  If you don't take the time, you won't get the most out of this unique, wonderful relationship.

He Sheds HOW Much!?
After you have about three or four dog breeds in mind, you should research a little online or at the library about the specific breed.  Terrificpets.com gives excellent detailed information in ABC order about every breed imaginable.  This can be a little overwhelming which is why the previous suggestion comes in handy.

This is Not a Drill:  It's Puppy Time
After you have conquered these two phases, it's time to find the specific dog you want.  Here's my first hint:  Don't just buy the purebred version of the dog you have picked!!  Most likely, the dog you want will just happen to cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to own.  Visit your local shelters, like The Humane Society, and see if they have a dog that matches some of your criteria.  Who knows, you may find a dog that's mixed with all three breeds that you want!  


But, I want a purebred!
If you insist on purchasing a dog from a breeder, make sure it's a BREEDER.  I don't care if you have to require a full background check on the person and a two-visit walk-through of their property.  Puppy mills are rampant in Missouri, and if you purchase a dog from them, you are putting money into that market and running the risk of adopting a sick or inbred dog that will lead a miserable, costly existence.

And, Your Point is..
You will enjoy your dog for many, many years, so what's the big deal about waiting a few months to makes sure you pick out the perfect fit?  I know all about that instant when the idea of getting a dog becomes a reality.  People get over-excited and jump the gun.  I've worked at places before where people came in looking for treats for their neighbor's dog's birthday and left with a brand new golden retriever puppy to take to their one-bedroom apartment.  I hope you take this advice, take your time and actually enjoy being a dog owner.