How to Choose the Perfect Pet

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Anyone who has owned a great pet knows that they become part of the family. A new dog or cat will most likely be with you for over a decade. My cat recently turned ten and he's the best! Here are some things to consider

-What type of animal do you want? Cat, dog, bird, snake, etc. Make sure it suits your life style. If you live by yourself and have a full time job it might be best to go with a cat. They can take care of themselves and won't get too destructive. At the same time who says cats are independent? My cat and other cats I know are needy and love to be pet. On their own terms of course ;)
-What breed do you want(or not want?) This is applies mostly to dogs. If you have small children or other pets don't get a dog known to be aggressive. Dogs such as the golden retriever are known to be gentle and caring. Knowing what breed you are getting helps you predict the disposition of a puppy ahead of time. You also know the health problems common with that particular breed.
-Where will I get my new pet? If you go to a breeder make sure they know what they are doing. A quick back round check won't hurt. I am not really a fan of pet stores. They seem to take care of pets when the store is open and leave them all alone when its closing. I find there are many pets to choose from when I go to a store. As for places that kill the unwanted animals I don't know what to say. It gets me very upset thinking about it. Not buying a pet will leave some animals to die. Buying a pet will save one animal but fund the place so they can put more animals at risk. In the end I guess they should be avoided. Ads are an often overlooked option. There is no telling what you can find. Lastly, my personal favorite, shelters. Shelters are a great place to give an animal a home. There aren't many pure breeds. The animals are typically free but its good to make a donation.

Things to remember

-Pets can be very expensive. Don't take one on if you don't think your ready.
-Animals are time consuming. If you don't have enough time to devote to a new pet stick with fish.
-Get your new pet vet checked ASAP. If they have any medical problems they need to be dealt with right away.
-Owning a pet is a truly rewarding experience. All you have to do is find the right match.

That's your daily dose of reality, thanks for reading!

Dissuasion questions
Have you ever owned a pet? If so what kind :)