My Bestfriend

I love cats. Whether an expensive breed or an adopted stray, they are always wonderful and interesting companions. Though they seem to always keep to themselves and seldom display affection, these eccentric creatures can still be great pets to have around. They are perfect pets whether you live alone or with a bunch of rambunctious kids. If you are thinking of getting a cat for a pet, why not consider adopting a stray or pick one from a cat shelter? It will definitely save you a lot of money and at the same time help these helpless felines get a new home.

I have three cats: Lily was a stray that has found a home on my porch while Bones and Sham were adopted from a shelter. Having them around gives me tremendous joy! It was my friend, Shaun Olmstead, who introduced me to the wonderful world of cats. He was the one who advised me to check out shelters first before shopping for an expensive breed in a pet store. Shaun was right! I fell in love with Bones and Sham the instant I saw them as scraggly little kittens sharing a cage and immediately decided to adopt them! I was amazed that Lily took the kittens like her own when I brought them home.

However, it is important to take the cat to a vet for the necessary checkup when you are adopting a stray or picking one from a shelter. Your cat must get all the necessary vaccinations which include shots for rabies, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus. Also have the vet check for internal parasites and get topical treatment for fleas and ticks, if necessary. If the cat isn’t spayed or neutered, make plans to take care of that.

Make your cat feel at home. Make sure your pet has enough food and water, and have it wear a collar so nobody else thinks your new friend is a stray. Buy some toys for the cat. Bright rubber balls are perfect choice. Treat your new pet right and it will return the favor a thousand fold!

Dogs are known to be “man’s best friend” for a good reason: they are loyal, playful and a good source of unconditional love. Studies even show that having dogs as pets can boost one’s health because these lovable furry creatures are found to be excellent stress relievers and can control blood pressure better than drugs, without the side effects! 

The decision of getting a dog as a companion or as a new member of the family is a hard one but with proper preparation and with the knowledge of which breed best suits your lifestyle, the rewards of taking care of a dog can be endless!

Socialite Shaun Olmstead, a self-confessed dog lover and currently takes care of two Yorkshire terriers, a pug, a Jack Russel terrier and a mongrel he adopted from a shelter, says that there are several factors to be considered when getting a dog.  Dogs come with many responsibilities such as training, cleanup, feeding, walking, playing, grooming and trips to the vet and one must have the time, finances and patience to do all these chores (or at least capable of hiring someone to do them for you) before considering getting a pet.

It is important to research on breeds of dogs to find one that fits your lifestyle. Dogs, just like humans, have personalities, so get to know the breeds you’re interested in to find one that suits your situation. Ask your friends and family about their dogs. One of the best resources in making the decision to get a dog is the firsthand experience and advice from a dog owner.      

When the decision has been made on what breed to take, go to a reputable breeder or pet shop and view available dogs that interest you and take the one that you have rapport with. Animal shelters are also great venues to look for dogs. 

Always remember that bringing a dog into your home requires responsibility and patience.  Your new pet will need a lot of love, attention and training. Just do your part and your new pet will do the rest.