We did! All our dogs were in heaven up until a few days ago when a visit to Wayside Waifs in Kansas City rewarded us with two of the most adorable labs. Hanna is 5 years old with a height weight disproportion that we are working on with 3 walks daily and a healthy diet. Kody is 4 years old; he will be rechecked next month to see if the heartworm treatment was successful. Hanna is a chocolate lab; Kody is a strawberry blonde. Both are very loving and mellow. Kody is a little bit more playful and trusting. It took two days before Hanna felt comfortable enough with us to eat. No worries though, the vet says that given time, both will regain optimum health and emotional security. We are delighted to once again have dogs in the house!
Hanna has the most beautiful chestnut coat; soft and luxurious.
Kody is the more outgoing of the two. Excessive shedding due to stress, malnutrition and deferred medical treatment is responding well to the furminator, a healthy diet, and a happy home.
Adopting a dog, or cat, is a big commitment. You want to be sure that you can afford to spend the time and money needed to provide proper nutrition, exercise and love. That's what we all thrive on, isn't it?
The animal shelters in Kansas City report an increase in owner surrenders due to our current economy. People who have lost their jobs, some their homes, are being forced to give up animals they love but can no longer care for. If you are able to help by adopting one of these abandoned pets, the reward is a loyal, devoted, eternally grateful companion who will bring joy to your life.
When preparing to adopt, consider your family's needs and abilities. Consult with the people at the shelter to select the most appropriate pet for your home. Our dogs will get the exercise they need because we all love to walk around our Brookside neighborhood. The dogs fit in our vehicles. We are blessed to have a home with a fenced yard and the financial wherewithall to provide the food and preventative medicine these large dogs will need for the rest of their lives.
The initial cost for adopting a dog may be around $200-300 dollars. This includes the adoption fee, rabies, distemper and parvo virus vaccinations, a leash & collar, and microchips in case they become lost. Then you'll need food and water dishes, a toy or two, food, and a veterinarian. Both dogs and cats will need monthly flea and heartworm preventative medicine. Plan on spending around $75+ per month on basic care. Plan on spending at least one hour daily on feeding, walking or running, playtime, and other bonding activities. You can get away with one hour per day if that's all your work schedule will permit but then you'll need to allow a few hours on your days off for more activities such as visits to an off leash park, an extra long walk or run, playtime with other animals, maybe even training for a competition or hunting. Whatever your lifestyle, there is a pet out there who could become a part of your life. The two dogs I now have are perfectly content to nap at my feet as I blog. To them, they're spending time with me. To me, I enjoy looking down and thinking that as soon as I finish this, we can all head out to the back yard for some playtime and gardening. They love to garden!
All content, including photos, is the original creation of Maria Morton and may not be used without the express written permission of the author.
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