AC Pup: What to consider when choosing a new pet

I love the saying about being able to choose your friends but not your family. You know the one I'm talking about, right?

It really is true. We choose our friends that are dear to us based on a variety of reasons. But it's mostly because we have something in common with them, we can rely on them and we enjoy spending time with them.

But family might be different. People are born into their family and are pretty much stuck with their relatives, for better or worse, for the rest of their lives.

Every family has that special relative, though, that you're reluctant to take out in public, the one that might be a little different or weird or just downright crazy. I have the greatest family in the world and I love them dearly, but I'm sure my family is no exception. We may have at least one of the "special" relatives, but my parents read my column so I'm not naming names.

I have some good news for you though. Did you know there are family members you can choose? You can choose fur family members that you will love and will love you for the rest of their lives. That's right. You can select and adopt your next furry member of your family.

If you're thinking about adding a pet to your family, this holiday season this will be the perfect time to choose your new family member. Because that is exactly how it should be viewed, as a cherished new member of your family you will treasure for the next 10 to 15 years to come.

As a precious member of your family, your fur family member should be loved, well cared for and given the chance to show affection and receive affection. Love and loyalty are the two things a fur family member will offer in a way that will leave you wondering how your family ever lived without him.

When you're deciding on what type of pet would fit perfectly in your family there are several things to take into consideration. First decide if you want a dog, cat, bird, guinea pig or something else. Any one of these can be just as loving as ever.

Once you've decided that, then assess your environment. Say for example you want a dog. Unless you're a rescuer with a zillion dogs, I really encourage folks to keep their dogs inside. Leaving dogs outside in a pen or fence limits the interaction and fun you both can have.

Determine your living conditions. Do you live in an apartment or are you in a house with acreage? That might make the difference if you get a Great Dane or a Chihuahua.

Determine how much time you have to spend with your new baby. If you are retired or work from home you will be able to spend more time with the pet. If you work long hours and are not home much you may want to consider a couple of cats. One would be lonely, so having a sibling would be perfect.

Next consider your energy level. If you're an athlete, you may want a high-energy dog to go on long runs with you. If you're more comfortable in your recliner at home, you may be interested in a lap dog.

As in everything, consider your budget. Usually the larger the pet the more the expenses are over the course of his life.

And when you're ready to get that pet, please go to a local shelter to adopt rather than a pet store to purchase. Save a life by adopting a homeless rescue pet.

Even though there is a lot to consider in adding a loving pet to your family, isn't it nice that this is the one family member you get to choose? Thank goodness you can choose part of your family. And, trust me, you'll love them for life.

Send questions to acpup247@yahoo.com. Visit www.acpup.com or like his Facebook page.

This story was originally published November 27, 2015 at 5:00 PM with the headline "AC Pup: What to consider when choosing a new pet ."