Good Luck To You!

In the past month, on our daily walks through the neighbourhood, we've been meeting so many new puppies.

All owned by young couples, who've purchased their first starter homes in preparation for their future family. Along with that follows the prerequisite puppy.

It's heart-warming to watch the attention they devote to their new four-pawed baby as they teach it to walk on a leash, proudly introducing it to any passerby who comments on the cuteness scale of said new baby (puppy).

One couple who introduced me to their new charge explained they got the pup as practise before starting their human family.

Don't get a puppy unless you're ready to have a baby. That's my suggestion. The only difference is -a baby will grow up!

As far as care, time and energy expelled goes-there's not much difference.

There's the early morning and late night schedule, there's care during the day while you're at work. There's rousing yourself out of bed on what used to be those lazy-stay-in-bed Sunday mornings. Throwing on your hat, snow boots, gloves, jacket and scarf in under one minute and heading out in blizzard conditions cause 'baby' just has to go now (at least you can diaper a baby!!).

No more meeting with friends for a drink/dinner and a movie after work on Friday to celebrate another work week over. Nope-you'll be racing home hoping you can get there before much more damage can be done to the pups newest chew-toy-your leather sofa.

And what of the three-week vacation and family reunion plans? Which of your friends will be good enough to come and take up residence for the duration?

Or will you choose to kennel your baby? (which I never suggest) If so-which kennel? How much will the daily cost of kenneling cut into your poolside margarita allowance?

How will you choose the kennel? How does one choose who they can trust the care of their baby to without checking references?

What if baby is sick and needs medical attention to the tune of $2500.00? Or needs someone at home during the day for a week? He/she is not covered under your medical benefits (at least not the last time I checked).

There's a good reason to invest in pet insurance. Take heart though, insurance shouldn't cost more monthly than the drinks/dinner and movie you won't be enjoying anymore on a Friday night!

Not to forget the daily dog-walker you will need for the first year, until puppy has matured enough to be able to wait, legs crossed, for the moment you return home.

You can quickly change out of one of the few suits or dresses you have that aren't covered with dog hair and take baby out for some socializing (even though all you really feel like doing is slipping into a luxurious bubble bath or changing clothes and heading off for a quick game of tennis before turning on the BBQ.).

Nope-unless you're ready to have a baby...don't think getting a puppy is going to be any easier!

When all is said and done--your new sofa has been purchased and the carpeting has been replaced....when you realize you needed to buy a closet-full of new shoes and boots anyway...when years later, you look into your old friend's eyes as he/she gazes up at you with complete trust, as if you are the most wonderful person the world has ever known, you'll know all that work and devotion was worth it!

Good luck to all the brave people who choose to welcome a four-pawed baby into their busy lives!

Stick with it--it'll be one of the most fulfilling experiences of your life!