HAWAIIAN HUMANE SOCIETY
Jill Kagihara adopted Max, a pug-Lhasa apso pup, from the Hawaiian Humane Society and submitted this photo for the society's 2003 calendar.
Adding an animal companion to your family can change your life. Dr. Marty Becker, author of "The Healing Power of Pets," calls this relationship "the special affection connection, the Bond, which gives us an unparalleled sense of unity with nature." Make an informed decision
when looking for a new pet
Hawaiian Humane Society
A decision this important should be considered carefully. Pets should not be acquired on impulse or just because they're popular on television or in a movie. Domestic animals thrive on the security of being cared for by one person or family for a lifetime, which can be a commitment of 15 years or more.
Different pets require varying degrees of time, money, training and space.
Gerri Cadiz, publisher of Ilio Dog Magazine, shared some tips about puppies:
"Learn about the characteristics of each breed and choose the traits, passed along to each generation, that are important to you," she said. "If a pure-bred puppy is important to you, deal with only reputable breeders and discuss temperament characteristics and potential health problems before you fall in love. Check out the conditions where the dogs are raised and meet both puppy 'parents.'"
Get health records, vaccination history and a written receipt with registration numbers -- don't accept a promise of AKC papers later.
Before adopting a puppy or kitten, make sure it has been with its mother and litter mates long enough to learn important lessons, is completely weaned and is eating wet and dry foods before you take it home. At the Hawaiian Humane Society, puppies and kittens must be at least 8 weeks of age before they can be adopted.
If you have a busy schedule, a dog is probably not a wise choice, but a cat may be. Cats adjust easily to life indoors and do not require the constant companionship that dogs do.
A possible choice for a quiet, single pet would be a rabbit or guinea pig, but they are not recommended for small children as they can be injured easily.
Birds can be a wonderful source of companionship, too. There are many things to learn about their proper grooming, care and diet. Some birds can be trained to talk and do tricks; many people find their insatiable curiosity entertaining.
Of the dogs and cats available at the Hawaiian Humane Society, young-adult pets are often the best choice for adoption. Their temperament and size are already determined, they are not as demanding as puppies and kittens, and they already may be house-trained. Dogs are eager to please their new families and can be trained at any age through praise, love and a few treats.
Rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, birds, turtles and fish are often available as well.
Those who adopt receive a certificate for a free veterinary exam within two weeks of adoption, donated by Oahu vets. Dogs and cats also receive microchip ID and initial vaccinations, and all dogs, cats, rabbits and male guinea pigs are neutered. The adoption fee for dogs and cats is $55, and an adoption counselor can offer advice on such matters as food, exams, grooming and ways to prevent fleas, ticks and heartworms.
More information is available online at www.hawaiianhumane.org, and the American Kennel Club at www.akc.org. For cat information, go to www.choosing-a-cat.com.
"Pet Ohana" runs the first and third Fridays of the month. The Hawaiian Humane Society is a nonprofit agency dedicated to preventing cruelty to animals.
Donate a toy so that animals adopted in December all have something to take home: Pet toy drive
Drop off: In the bin on the lanai at the Hawaiian Humane Society, 2700 Waialae Ave.
Hours: Noon to 8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holidays through Nov. 30
Call: 946-2187
Click for online
calendars and events.
