fi t with my work, volunteer and exercise schedules.” Riley, a bloodhound/Lab mix, fi t the bill. Shelter workers can project how large a dog will get
when fully grown, as well as their temperament and other breed traits. Carver was cautioned that Riley was an active animal, needed long walks and would ultimately top 100 pounds. Now age 11, he’s a companionable 135 pounds. “I was surprised at how easy it was to change my routine to accommodate playtime, mile-long walks and training. He’s laid back and gentle for his size,” comments Carver, a blog talk radio show host in Parma, Ohio. Danielle Nay, an expat from the UK, researched for two
years before choosing Freeway, her neighbor-friendly löwchen. He’s a mid-size dog, big enough to be a manly companion, but the right size for a high-rise apartment. “When his humans are busy, Freeway fl ings his own ball down the hall and then runs after it,” she says.
Not Quite Perfect The perfect pet doesn’t have to be perfect in looks or health. Dorie Herman, of Jersey City, New Jersey, a graphic designer for Martha Stewart Living, in New York City, is the human behind Chloe Kardoggian, a Chihuahua and puppy mill rescue, age 11, which she describes as “three pounds, two teeth, one giant tongue and an Instagram sensation.” Due to poor nutrition, mill dogs often lose their teeth as young adults, causing their tongues to hang out. She advocates for older dogs and an adopt/don’t buy policy. “With senior animals, you know what you’re getting. They have personality,” says Herman. “With my work schedule, I wanted an older pet, small and piddle-pad trained.”
Take Two Herbert Palmer, of Morris Plains, New Jersey, now with Green the Grid Group, worked for a moving company when three kittens showed up near the loading dock. A co-worker took one. Not in the market for a cat, much less two, Palmer tried to fi nd them good, safe homes. After fi ve days, he realized, Lucky and Day had a home—with him. “Sometimes we adopt them. Many times they adopt us,” he confi des. Falling in love doesn’t depend solely on what looks good on
paper. Everyone deserves to fi nd their “heart” pet—when that fi rst exchanged look proclaims, “He’s mine.”
Connect with Sandra Murphy at
StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.
More Factors to Consider
n A yard isn’t a must, but dogs need regular exercise and socialization.
n Adult children boomerang home after college or a divorce, often with pets. A new baby also alters a home’s equilibrium. Many hours away due to work, school activities, elder care and/or volunteering can lead to a bored pet that will produce its own entertainment, often to the family’s dismay.
n Some pets are easily washable, while others need professional grooming. Daily brushing minimizes shedding.
n Family members’ tolerance for pet drool and snoring counts.
n A yearly wellness exam, required inoculations, a microchip and pet insurance add to the tab.
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November 2015 27
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