Acquiring a pet is a big decision. This article is going to focus on why NOT to give puppies as unexpected gifts, but the same considerations apply for any pet, including small ones that live in cages. We know, they sell them in the mall and there's all these cute little bowls and toys and clothes for them. Everyone loves a puppy - most are cute and friendly and amusing. When they pee on the carpet it's a tiny little spot and easy to clean up. You don't have to put it through college or buy it a car when it turns 18, but it's a long-term commitment to another living creature who will depend on you for all of its needs for its ENTIRE life. Whoa. Could probably stop right there, but I won't.
So you decide you're going to give your parent/significant other/spouse/friend a dog. Do they even want a dog? Do you know what breed would best suit their personality and lifestyle? Do they like to go on vacation? Are you going to take the dog for them when they do? How much time do they have to train a puppy? Housetrain in the middle of the winter? Go to puppy classes? Exercise the dog (one of the most important parts of dog's life and one that helps maintain healthy weight and good behavior)? Can they afford to buy a crate, bowls, toys, collars, leashes, and so forth? Can they afford veterinary care? - because contrary to what many pet sellers will tell you, they don't "have all their shots" when you get them at 8 weeks of age, and because that dog is going to need medical care for the rest of its life. What if the puppy isn't healthy?
We *LOVE* seeing new puppies here at SPAH - it's one of the best parts of our day. What we don't love is seeing people with a new responsibility they weren't prepared for and don't have time for. It isn't fair to them or the dog, even though most of the folks we are lucky to have as clients have a strong sense of responsibility and will stick with it regardless. Most of the time it does work out - puppies wiggle their way right into your heart and dog ownership is truly a joy most of the time.
So please - if you want to get your lady a nice gift for Valentine's Day, choose a diamond instead of a Dalmatian. When you do decide to get a dog, make sure everyone is ready for the commitment that's going to come with it - then have a great time!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Win a Kindle Fire!!
Sign up for your Pet Portal today!
WIN A KINDLE FIRE!
Sign up for a SPAH Pet Portal before March 31, 2012 and be entered in a chance to win a Kindle Fire (a value of $199). If you already have a pet portal, log in before March 31, 2012 to be entered in the contest. Go to the Pet Portal tab on the left, to sign up today!
Pet Portals are private websites that give you secure online access to your pet's health information. We provide Pet Portals free of charge to all clients who have active e-mail addresses.
- Visit our website at spahvet.com and go to the pet portal section.
- Visit our hospital. Just give the receptionist your e-mail address.
- Call us on the phone and give us your e-mail address.
Once you provide us with your e-mail address you'll receive your password by e-mail within 48 hours.
How do I view my Pet Portal?You view your Pet Portal by visiting our website and using your e-mail address and password to sign in. You must have "cookies" turned on in your browser in order to sign-in. You can bookmark the sign-in page, but not your Pet Portal, since it exists only when you are actually signed in.
What do you do with my e-mail address?We use your e-mail address as your Pet Portal sign-in name.
We also use e-mail address to contact clients about practice updates and important health news.
If you'd prefer not to receive e-mails from us, you can use your Pet Portal to change your e-mail preferences. You will still be able to use your Pet Portal, even if you choose not to receive e-mails from us.
Do you sell your mailing list?We do not sell our mailing list. We do occasionally work with animal health companies to offer discount coupons and other promotions for products and services that we believe are beneficial to our patients. We do not disclose your personal information.
How much do Pet Portals cost?Pet Portals are a service we provide free of charge to all clients with active e-mail addresses.
You can use your Pet Portal to manage your pet's health care and medication schedule, communicate with us online, and learn more about your pet's individual health and life-stage issues.
Do I need a separate Pet Portal for each pet?No! Your Pet Portal contains health information for each pet with an active file in your account with us. Remember, in order to have an active account, your pet must have visited our hospital. (If you see any information about your pet or account that needs to be updated, you can use the Pet Portal to let us know)
How secure is my Pet Portal?Your Pet Portal resides on a secure server protected by a fire wall. Your personal information cannot be accessed by other Pet Portal users.
Your Pet Portal is created each time you sign in. When you are not signed in, your Pet Portal does not exist. This means that it's impossible for someone to find and view your account on the open Internet. Only you (and anyone with whom you choose to share your sign-in name and password) can see your pet's information.
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