I think all pets are therapeutic.

By Amy on 10/9/2009

Pets are great to have around the house. I always grew up with dogs and now I have one of my own. He is a wonderful part of our family. We have considered getting another dog, but one thing you need to consider is how much you are home. My husband and I are home only a few days a week and the days we work, we are only home a few hours of the day. Our work hours are long. We take our dog to his mom's house so someone can take him out throughout the day. It's like doggy day care! We are busy people and as much as we'd love another dog so our current dog can have a buddy, it would be unfair to him. We wouldn't be able to spend as much time as we wanted with him. I'm afraid he won't get potty trained because we won't be home to invest time in it. One dog is enough for us for now, but it is still a big responsibility.

By Mary Beth on 10/12/2009

I just lost my beloved dog this past Saturday, after being with me for 13 years, I adopted her from a rescue organization and my heart is broken. I know it will take time till I feel better, I think I will be adopting again, I just don't know when. Maybe when my loss doesn't hurt too much.I highly recommend you adopt instead of buying, that way you give a dog or a cat a second chance, I know I did and my dog lived  a very happy life. Since the beginning I made a commitment with her and since we had to move 3 times during that time because we are military family, I always took her along.

By Veronica on 10/13/2009

• Veronica said:

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  I just lost my beloved dog this past Saturday, after being with me for 13 years, I adopted her from a rescue organization and my heart is broken. I know it will take time till I feel better, I think I will be adopting again, I just dont know when. Maybe when my loss doesnt hurt too much.I highly recommend you adopt instead of buying, that way you give a dog or a cat a second chance, I know I did and my dog lived  a very happy life. Since the beginning I made a commitment with her and since we had to move 3 times during that time because we are military family, I always took her along.

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I just lost my dog too on Saturday.  He had been with us for 14 years.  We also adopted him from our local humane society.  I also highly recommend adopting from an animal shelter.  I've always done that (or taken in strays) and they always turn out the be the best animals!

By Pam on 10/14/2009

I'm a Rodent person. Seriously love rats, hamsters, gerbils so much that I started writing 'How To" articles for people who wanted to learn more about these cute little animals. http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/37985/mary_kirkland.htmlI've had rats, gerbils, mice, bunnies, gerbils, and hamsters. My daughter is allergic to dogs and cats and we tried a hamster and she wasn't allergic to him. So we started keeping them as pets. At one time we had 17 different rodent pets. They are so much fun.

By Mary on 10/20/2009

Our beloved Pomeranian passed away last year and he as almost 17 years old.  He was with me through so many of life's changes for me!  We had a new baby shortly after he passed away and have always felt like something was missing in our family.  This weekend, we're going to get our new dog.  We chose to get a bigger dog this time so the boys can play with him. We are so excited!!!  Having a pet around makes everyone feel better and helps the kids too.  Although my son just started sleeping through the night and now I have to be up with a puppy!!!

By Jessica on 10/21/2009

We just lost our dog of 13 years.  He really was a part of the family! We got him when my daughter was 6 and now she is in college so they "grew up" together.When we were looking for a dog, we wanted a dog that wouldn't shed and be good for people with allergies. So, we chose a poodle.  We also wanted a smaller "lap" dog because bigger dogs need so much more exercise.  I would also consider how much time you would be home with the dog.  I don't think it's fair to leave it alone all of the time.  If you are gone alot, I would get two dogs so they can keep each other company.

By Sharon on 10/23/2009

PLEASE!, If you are looking into getting a pet, please adopt!!  There are too many "unwanted" animals out there to go and buy one, just so the breeder can make a buck.  PLEASE GO TO YOUR LOCAL SHELTER, YOU AND YOUR PET WILL BE HAPPY YOU DID

By SHARON on 10/30/2009

pets are definitely a joy but they are also a lot of work.  though I would not trade off the work load for anything as they contribute so much love into our lives I am thankful every day that I have such faithful and loving furry friends

By Tracy on 10/30/2009

All of the pets I have had have been adorable, but all have involved extra work and cleaning. They all grow into adults so I do think you should consider life span..... I have a 18 year old parrot and an adopted "Trap & Release" stray cat who is about 3.....the parrot preens the cat! They are both dear to me.... but sometimes one or both goes through a trying time.... be prepared....

By Claire on 11/9/2009

our neighbors bought a dog from a puppy store and decided a day later they didn't want her. we took her instead of letting them bring her to the shelter (although i'm sure a purebred dog would've been snatched up immediately and not have lived there long) I love dogs but my husband doesn't so it's a problem. Plus, she smells a bit which means our house smells and i'm always trying a new powder or air freshener. I wish we didn't take her in the first place because life would be easier but now that she's here i love her and would never get rid of her.

By Jessica on 11/11/2009

The most important thing I have to think about in getting a pet is the kind of time I will be able to devote to it.  I would hate to get another animal but not be able to devote enough time keeping it happy through play and exercise.  I think they all have feelings, too!

By Lauren on 11/13/2009

We just lost our beloved Lily Dog last night. She had cancer and was getting to ill so we put her to sleep. We rescued her 9 1/2 years ago and she was the best dog anyone could ask for. My heart is broken and I can't stop crying but I know eventually it will get better and we will consider another dog and it will be another rescue dog. Tanja

By Tanja on Monday

• Zhinka said:

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  This is a topic I am an expert at! I am a registered rescue agent for pitbreeds, bulldogs, rottweilers and dobermans.I have had up to 9 perminant dogs in my small 1,200 sq foot house, To be more exact I had a great pyrenees, 2 rottweilers a doberman and 5 pitbulls living with me. This does not include the rescues that I take in, so one thing that will completely upset me is anyone lazy enough to even ever dare suggest that their dog is too big and has to live outside. If you feel your dog must be a total outdoor dog, then get a tree and plant that. There is NO breed that is too big to live indoors. There is NO breed that deserves a life on a chain, the first thing to realize is that if you do not have a yard or intend to chain the dog, then go buy a stuffed animal because you are definately not worthy of keeping a pet.  I never know from week to week how many dogs I will have,nor will I know what condition they will be arriving in. What i DO know is that there SHOULD NEVER EVER BE ANY PETS ADDED UNLESS YOU INTEND TO KEEP THAT DOG FOR AT LEAST 15 YEARS!!!!!!!!!! I have nothing but disgust for people who get that puppy then decide 3 years later oh,we want kids we have to get rid of the dog so we have room. guess what? That just means you should NOT have kids as you are admitting that you have no respect for the life of that animal. In over 25 years of dog rescue I have never found a dog that I had to get that was such a horrid beast that it needed removal, what I have found is people who did not train, did not realize what they were doing or decided they just were tired of responsibility. *yea these are the ones who get rid of the dog because they had a baby* scary to think of what type of parent thinks a simple dog is too much work and then thinks they can take care of a child properly? I think people need to realize that dogs shed, drool,poop ,drink and eat. Sounds silly but most people do not take into consideration the time that training some puppies will take. Yes dogs eat, some breeds do best on 3 small meals a day,that means 3 poops a day, plus trips out after water time ,nap time or play time. It usually takes me an average of 4 weeks to fully house train a new dog into my home. Some breeds more,some breeds less ie a lab is not as smart as a doberman and will usually take longer to train. The other most important thing you can consider is what Will you do if you decide you dislike this wonderful puppy aka spur of the moment playtoy. The humane thing to do in most cases is have the dog put to sleep. There is a minimal chance your dog you take to a shelter will be adopted, the dog Will most likely be put down at the shelter so it would be in the dogs best interest to not have to go thru the stress of shelter life only to end up on a kill table anyway. I have to say I love dogs, I love dog people,but I have spent my life saving and taking care of dogs that people got only to get rid of them when their lifestyle changed. Your dog will adapt to any lifestyle right along with you if you care enough,or are smart enough or are not lazy and do the easy route. Getting a dog involves years of involvement. Do not consider adding one lightly.

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Hello! my name is Diana i have read ur letter and i can tell u how much it touched me to know that theres someone like u that cares so much like i do.I feel the same when somene has a pet n then they deside to get rid of it just because their having a new baby coming.I recently found a baby kitten and bottle feed it for 2weeks n try to keep it but i came to see that i was allergic to the kitten. But i didnt give up that easy i looked n looked n made phone calls to make sure i found a good place for him n i did i even payed $30 to get his shots at least thats what they told me in there.2days later i went there n he was looking great with a white collar that shows he did get his shots. i was wondering is there anything u can help me to help the animal cruelty in P.R my sister is out there she tells me story but dont know who to turn to for help theses animals when she see what she see... ivette0027@peoplepc.com Thank you.. im also a member of the humane society god bless u for doing what u doing for the ANIMALS.

By Diana on Tuesday