The Lymington Directory August/September 2018

PLANNING FOR A PUPPY?
If you, or
someone you
know, is
thinking about
bringing a fourlegged
little
bundle of fun
into the family,
then read on as Sophie's Pet Care® present some
of the important things that need to be
considered…
Cute puppies can all too quickly become big,
strapping dogs, so you need to start by asking
yourself whether you and your tribe can cope
with them as the grow up. Are you willing to
integrate a dog into your family for the next
fifteen years, through all the good times and the
bad? You see, your puppy really needs to
become a family member right from the very
start. It's rather like making a commitment to
having a child; and just like a child they can be
time-consuming and demanding. They'll need
love, attention and plenty of exercise, both
mental and physical.
Keeping a dog costs money too; in addition to
occasional vet bills, there's the cost of food,
insurance and, when you're away or out at work,
the added cost of external care. Puppies can be
perfect little people around the home, or they
can be little devils, chomping happily through
your favourite furnishings. They love leaving
mud and hair everywhere too. The point is, if
you love your house more than your dog, this
might not be a match made in heaven!
If you're renting your home and still think a
puppy is for you, then before you get too excited
about the prospect, you'll need to check whether
your landlord will agree to it. Some don't. Even if
you're a homeowner, you'll still need to make
sure your home and garden are suitable. The
latter needs to be secure and escape-proof.
Puppies love to explore and will wiggle through
the tiniest holes to taste that big, exciting, wide
world that lies outside of your garden.
The next thing to consider is whether your house
is a suitable size for the breed you have in mind.
Some little dogs that you would perhaps expect
to be fine in a small house like, for example,
terriers, detest being cooped up, and although
some of the bigger breeds don't mind being
couch potatoes all day, too much inactive
lounging around doesn't do their health any
good. So choose a breed that fits, not only your
fancy, but also your home environment.
Finally, you need to take a hard, long look at
yourself. Can you honestly say you'd make a
responsible dog owner and look after that cute,
perfect puppy throughout its whole life, come
what may? Will you give it the life it deserves in
return for the wonders of canine companionship
and a unique brand of unconditional love rarely
found elsewhere?
Well, if you can answer 'yes' to most of the
questions posed in this piece, but remain
worried about having to leave your puppy now
and again when you're out or at work, and also
can't bear the thought of dumping them into
kennels when you go on holiday, then that's
actually okay, because Sophie's Pet Care® can
solve all that . We can provide specialist,
bespoke home visits for your puppy that will give
them exercise and mental stimulation when you
can't be around, and even arrange wonderful
dog holidays in loving, local homes for your
pampered pooch while you jet off to the
sunshine for a fortnight or
whatever.
Visit sophiespetcare.com or
call us for help and puppy
advice now on: 01425 262
100
Sophie's Pet Care®
Perfect for your Puppy
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