Research shows that people who share their lives with pets tend to be happier, to be more independent, and to feel more secure than those without pets. However, it is very important to choose the kind of pet that is most suitable for you. You and your pet will benefit more if the pet is compatible with your lifestyle and your physical abilities. 
The amount of indoor and outdoor activity in your personal life is one thing to consider. If you spend most of your time indoors at your home, you might want to get a cat or bunny. They are cuddly and fun to play with in your lap. Maybe you would just enjoy watching fish in a home aquarium or some type of reptile, such as a small turtle. Talking or singing along with a bird could be quite enjoyable. What about a cute hamster? Watching this playful animated little animal could bring many smiles to your face. However, if you are a high energy and very active person and enjoy daily activities outside of your home, then think about a dog. Canine companions thrive on walking and running and will keep you moving with them. Horses could be an option if you love to ride for entertainment and have the income to support a large animal like this. Of course, also listen to your heart. It may be very revealing and help you in your selection. I like cats, but I consider myself to be the ultimate dog lover and prefer big cuddly dogs like my Saint Bernard Anna Belle.
The place in which you purchase your new pet should be researched. Local pet stores are probably fine for pets like fish, turtles, and hamsters. However, be careful using these stores for dogs and cats. If you want a pedigree dog, it is wiser to locate reputable breeders. You may pay a higher price for your dog or cat, but the guarantee of having a pet with good health and fewer health problems in the future is more likely. If the pedigree is not a priority to you, then consider adopting a dog or cat at your local shelter. Many wonderful pets can be found here for low costs, and you will feel happy that you rescued a loving animal and gave him a new happy home. Many of these animals have been abused or deserted by people who did not want them or could not take care of them. You will give this sweet animal a second chance at a good life. 
Next the family environment is another important factor in your pet selection. If small children or elderly people reside in your home, you need to consider the size and energy level of the pet. Puppies and kittens are usually quite active but are still babies and must be handled with great care to protect their safety. They also go through the early stages of biting as they are teething and as they are learning to become disciplined adult animals. The little fingers of young children need to be protected from this possible occurrence. On the other hand, large and high-spirited dogs could accidentally hurt or knock over a small child or frail elderly adult. Thus, your family population will determine the new pet to be added to your family setting. 
Many people are multi-pet owners, so if considering the addition of another pet, think about your current pets while making this new choice. Dogs and cats can co-exist happily in a family home with love and training. However, if the current pet is possessive of you or tends to want and need your exclusive attention, bringing a new pet into the household could create some initial turmoil or problems. It has been known that a new human baby introduced into the family can have this same effect on a possessive dog or cat that had previously been the center of your attention. Thus, be sure that the new pet is kept safe and feels comfortable and loved while at the same time continuing to show the same love and attention to the current pet or pets. 
Your home environment could drastically change with the addition of a new pet. If you like a house that is neat, tidy and free of dog or cat hair, this could be a problem for you. Also there will be those dirty paw prints on the floors and carpet occasionally and maybe even an “accident” from early bathroom training mistakes or illnesses. Maybe a free-roaming dog or a long-haired cat would not please you then. Remember also the size of your house or apartment may be a determiner of the size of animal you choose. Make sure your home is the right size for your new pet. Fish, hamsters, birds, or reptiles could be a better option for you and your family if your home is small. The same thing holds true for your yard. Some pets, such as large dogs, need a real backyard in which to run and play. Apartments in a big city with no yard may not be suitable unless a dog park is close. With some pets, your landscaping will definitely suffer. Dogs love to dig holes in the lawn, and dog urine leaves yellow patches in your green grass. Female dogs that have not been spayed cause the most damage. Thus, if any of these things bother you, but you still dream of having a dog or cat, be ready to accept some changes in your physical home environment, or you will be unhappy.
Finally, remember you are making a time commitment to this new family member. Depending upon the kind of pet you choose, the life span could range from a few years for such animals as a turtle to ten, fifteen, or twenty years with a dog or cat to as many as thirty years or more with a bird. Also it is your duty to take care of this pet to the best of your ability. Thus, over the life span of your pet, you will spend a large amount of money for food, medication, veterinarian visits, dog shampoos, household cleaning supplies, and pet toys. Make sure your home budget can handle these additional expenses. Animals are precious so you must value them as God’s special creations. 
Some interesting statistics show just how important pets have become to Americans. More than half of all American homes have a companion animal. Pets are more common in homes with children, yet there are more pets than children in our homes. There are more than 51 million dogs, 56 million cats, 45 million birds, and 75 million small mammals, reptiles, and uncounted millions of aquarium fish. Thus, it is very clear that pets are highly regarded and treasured by Americans and that we want to provide them a quality life because they give back so much to us. I cannot imagine my life right now without my sweet Saint Bernard Anna Belle.
Randi D. Ward
September 3, 2013
