As we get nearer and nearer to Old Saint Nicks visit, I find myself feeling befuddled. Isn't that a great word? I am perplexed, and concerned about something so near and dear to my heart.. adoption.
See, I'm adopted and several of my friends are too. All of my brothers and my sister received the gift of adoption and it can be the most magical way of spreading love and increasing the size of your family but... there's also a darker, sadder side to it and I think it only fair that we shine the light on that too.
You see, bringing someone new into your family is a challenge for everyone involved. There's a lot of getting to know each other, setting rules and boundaries and remembering those rules when you get all excited. Sometimes you have to learn what you can chew on and what is a no-no-no-no! Maybe you've never learned how to go potty outside instead of just anywhere you happen to be when the urge hits you. Sometimes you might have lived with another family before coming to your forever home and the rules have changed. It can be a confusing time and nerves can fray.
Moms and dads experience a lot of changes too when a new family member moves in. They have to choose a veterinarian and make sure we get our checkups to keep us healthy. They have to figure out the best foods to feed us, along with learning what things can make us very, very sick. Gone are the days of being gone from home for hours and hours without making sure someone is available to let us out to potty and spend some time playing with us. Our job is to make them so happy when they get
home that they never want to leave us again!
So please, please take the time to research the type of pup you are considering because some breeds grow really big and some need enormous amounts of exercise. Trying to match a pup to your family's lifestyle makes for a much happier experience for everyone involved. No one wants to have to rehome because of a bad match, that would just be heart-breaking. I know I'm biased but I believe some of the best of the best can be found at your local humane society so please stop by and take a look for your next family member.
And once you've chosen the best pup in the world for you and your family, may I suggest the following list of items I highly recommend.
Stella's Christmas List for New Puppers
1.) A great way to let your folks know when you need to go outside to do your bathroom business, or to chase a wayward leaf in the yard, is bells! Yes, jingle bells are a wonderful sound year 'round. They hang nicely from your door handle so that your pooch can alert you without whining or barking, which is way more fun for both of you.
2.) Puzzle bowls are a cool way of encouraging you to slow down and enjoying your kibble, savoring each delicious morsel and making your food much easier to digest. I've gotten exceptionally good at using my tongue to get every last piece of yummy goodness out of each of the swirls. I enjoy it so much that I don't understand why my mom doesn't use one too.
3.) Who doesn't love playing fetch? Using a Chuckit ejector means those thrown balls go so much further, which means I get to run even further and when you are just a pup full of energy, running further is pretty much what life is all about.
4.) And what kind of ball works best with your Chuckit ejector but a super awesome, glow in the dark, silicone Chuckit ball ~ whoop! Try as I might, I've chewed and chewed and chewed on mine and have never even left a toothmark on it. I'm pretty sure that they are indestructible but I keep trying. They also make a great little noise as they soar through the air. You might not be able to hear it but I do and that makes it even more special.
Oh, and by the way, all of these items are all available on Amazon and each are under $10, leaving plenty left over for some treats... because puppies live for treats.
And with that all said and done, I wish you a Christmas filled with peace, joy, magic and maybe, just maybe, the best friend you could ever hope to have.
Love and Licks,
Stella
