How I did it: I was a little delayed in getting my dog because when I went to the anti cruelty society (shelter) to adopt a dog, I came home with a cat. 

The dog I bonded with that day was much too large for my tiny apartment.  I thought I was allergic to cats (but I love them!), so I thought I'd spend a few minutes petting a few before I left the shelter, just until my allergies kicked in.  Forty-five minutes later, with no symptoms, I adopted my new kitten. 

I loved my kitty so much, I wanted to spoil her in every way possible so I didn't want her to compete with a dog.  But, I've wanted a dog since I was a little kid.  I wanted the energy of a dog around, a running buddy so I started scouting out shelters for dogs who would get along with her, but I was never sure that they wouldn't hunt my cat. 

I was at a small mom & pop pet store picking up cat food, when I noticed a bunch of friendly dogs in the store.  It was an adoption event, by a foster-homing non-profit.  The puppy I eventually adopted was already living in a home with a cat and a 2 year old, so I knew my kitty would be safe.  She was a little off-put when the puppy first came home, sorry kitty.  They're friends now.

Lessons & tips: If you have a special situation (young kids, cats, guinea pig, etc), look to a foster group, then find a pet that is fostered in a home similar to yours.  These groups usually take longer to approve you to take the pet, but they have the benefit of starting the pet out on housebreaking, following rules set by humans.  And you can be more sure that your pet will fit into your home. 

If you can take any pet you like, go for the shelter or foster group. 

Invest in obedience classes!

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Nov 01, 2009, 11:30AM PST | 2 comments | 3 cheers