Sherry’s Corner

Post-Election Week Thoughts

I  begin the week knowing that soon I will have the company of a new companion who will share my life for the next 15 years.  For a long time I have been in love with English springer spaniels; my new companion will be very hairy (requiring lots of detangling), and he will have a sense of humor.  He will also enjoy watching “Dancing With the Stars” and visiting nursing homes. Truth be told, the first choice will be the breeder. Good breeders breed good dogs. And, without exception they always breed only one breed of dog. They are all football players or soccer players–but there are not two teams raised under one roof. I applaud those dog lovers who take the time to meet and research Greyhounds and all breeds and mixed breeds.  They understand that dogs were bred for a purpose–a working and useful purpose.  Purpose is hard-wired into every dog and it determines if the dog will fit the new owner’s lifestyle.  You wouldn’t buy a coat that didn’t fit, was too short or had too tight sleeves.  Why adopt a dog that doesn’t fit how you live?

                Check out the internet and books and friends for dog breed research.  Check out veterinary hospitals and people who own the kind of dog you like –shelters, rescues as well as breeders. And, if you decide on a mixed breed do remember they have a DNA mixture. They may want to dig holes as well as herd sheep. The American Kennel Club has a registry for mixed-breed dogs with events that may help you both decide whether hunting ground hogs is as much fun as playing with lambs. There is no reason not to register any dog with the AKC.  It helps all dogs. There are AKC S.T.A.R. puppy classes and AKC Canine Good Citizen classes that lead to therapy dog visits. These are open to all breeds.                      

             Pick your new dog’s name with care.  If you name him “Killer” don’t expect the vet to spend a lot of time in the examination. And, if you name him “Sugar” (according to veterinarians) you might find he is prone to diabetes! I am naming my young best friend “Bennett” for Tony Bennett. I want him to bring joy to many people for a long, long time.

                But a warning: Although you probably carry a picture of your pet in your wallet or on your cell phone don’t use your dog’s name as your bank or internet password. Your dog identifies you, all you own, who you respect.