Humane advice for future dog owners
By Jeremy Bookmyer, Asst. Copy Chief
May 14, 2008 | 6 a.m.
The arrival of spring in Athens means that dogs will soon be invading College Green with their owners in tow. Lynn Kneile of the Athens County Humane Society has some advice for students considering buying a dog.
“Adoption should not be an impulsive decision,” Kneile said, adding that owning a pet can be a lifelong commitment. Puppies are cute, but they need almost constant attention--and a dog may live ten or more years. Kneile urges potential dog owners to consider their living situation and long-term plans before adopting.
College Green offers open space for dogs and their owners to exercise all year-round, but during the winter it may be hard to spend as much time outside as a dog owner might like. All dogs, especially puppies, need exercise. Students living in a house or apartment without a yard will need to find space for their dogs to exercise, even when it gets cold.
It is also important to be sure what the rules on pets are in a house. Some landlords may have rules about pets. Dogs are large animals and are not easily hidden from a landlord. Roommates are also an important consideration, Kneile said. A dog will affect everyone living in a house. If housemates discover they are allergic to a new dog, it may be hard, if not impossible, to find a new home for the dog. A new puppy may not have any previous training and may make a mess around the house before being successfully trained. Expect to clean up a few messes.
Roommates may become a problem if the ownership of the dog is unclear. If more than one person is responsible for the care of the dog, it is important to consider who will take care of the dog during breaks and eventually who will take the dog after graduation.
“Students also need to especially be aware of how their life after graduation might negatively affect their relationship with their pet,” Kneile said.
The actual cost of a pet can vary as well. According to Kneile, the annual cost of a dog averages $420 to $780. In addition to food and medication, dogs must be registered and taken in for regular veterinarian visits. Unexpected medical bills such as surgeries and follow-up appointments can quickly add to the overall cost of a dog.
Wren Kruse, a local resident and dog owner, had to pay $600 for knee surgery for her dog Max. “[People] can never anticipate the cost of unexpected dog medical bills,” Kruse said. She also pays at least $30 a month to buy flea and tick medication for Max to keep him healthy.
Potential dog owners need to be able to make time every day to pay attention to their pet. Kneile said there are "no days off" with a dog. The owner needs to be able to devote time to feeding the pet and dealing with its waste. She also said it is important for potential dog owners to realize that they will need to sacrifice a great deal of their free time to care for their dog.
“If you want to leave for the weekend or holidays, somebody will need to care for your pet in your absence if it cannot go with you,” Kneile said. “With a dog, you may not be able to enjoy sleeping in like you once did.”
A dog may develop a routine during the day as well. A constantly changing schedule may lead to confusion between both the dog and owner. If a dog develops a pattern of waking up and eating at a certain time, it may be difficult to adjust to a new schedule.
Students should also consider what they may be doing during breaks and how it might influence their dog, Kneile said. The dog will have to go with its owner during winter and summer breaks. Even short trips over a weekend will need to change to accommodate dogs. A weekend camping trip may be impossible if no one is available to watch the dog. Some dogs may not react well to being left alone for even a number of hours.
A dog may be enjoyable, but it is also a responsibility. College students who may already have busy lives should carefully consider how much time and money they could afford to give to a dog. They can expect to spend several hundred dollars and several years with their new pet.
For people who have decided that they want to bring a dog into their lives, Kruse recommends checking with the pound. A dog from the pound can be less expensive than a dog from a pet shop, and pound dogs need homes. The Athens County Humane Society offers several services, including a list of pets currently up for adoption, as well as information about getting a pet spayed or neutered and community outreach programs. Visit The Athens County Humane Society's Web site for more information.
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