Special to The Star-Herald
There are many reasons that people get pets. Mostly, it is for the company. Pets give so much to our lives in ways we don’t even notice until they are gone. The void they leave can be unimaginable, and the grief we feel at the loss, unbearable. I think it is healthy to keep in the back of your mind that our pets are only with us for a short time, but we need to make the most of our time together. It is important to enjoy your pet as part of your family and enrich their life with activities that they love. Some people give their dogs pampering baths at the groomer; some enjoy long walks or swimming. It doesn’t matter … as long as you are spending quality time together. For that to happen and for you to enjoy each other, it is important for you to teach your dog to be a good citizen. This is accomplished by training your dog and, more importantly, socializing your dog.
What do I mean by socializing your dog? I mean exposing your dog to all sorts of different things and people. Attend events like dog obedience class, the park or just a walk through a parking lot encountering strangers is socializing your dog. Expose them to riding in the car, to bicycles, to strangers. By doing this, events such as encountering a bike on the bike path isn’t as scary.
It is important to expose your dog, especially as a puppy, to all sorts of things. A puppy who has never left its home or been with anyone except you may be a fearful dog. A fearful dog is a dog prone to bite out of fear. You don’t want to put others at risk do you? Pet ownership is a huge responsibility, and socializing your dog is part of that responsibility.
We have many wonderful dogs and cats available at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Each time you come to visit our animals, you are helping to socialize them. Both dogs and cats need to be handled and touched daily; it is part of their training to become good citizens and live as part of our community safely. Please stop by and visit our wonderful animals available for adoption, even if you aren’t looking for a pet.
The Central Aroostook Humane Society is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or give us a call at 764-3441. You can also visit us on line at www.centralaroostookhumanesociety.org.
