My wife Lynn and I have had the good fortune of adopting numerous animals in need of a home - 14 dogs, 5 cats, 4 horses and a donkey to be exact! All of these animals have been wonderful companions and much loved members of our family.

While adding an animal companion to your family is an exciting and happy time, it is also a large commitment - possibly one that will last for 15 years or more. Since you’re dealing with an intelligent, sensitive, feeling animal, and one who may have already experienced rejection, this responsibility must not be entered into lightly.

However, if you have done your homework, know what your responsibilities are and the commitment involved and you still want to adopt an animal companion in need, then you are in for one of life’s most rewarding experiences!

When adopting a canine or feline family member it is a good idea to welcome the animal when you are able to spend several days helping your addition to adjust to her new home and family. If you are planning to spend some of your summer vacation at home then this can be a good time to adopt your "best friend."

A good place to start your search is the Alliston & District Humane Society (ADHS.) This organization has been helping animals and providing a vital service to the public since 1988. You can contact the ADHS at 705-458-9038 or check out the "Pet of the Week" and the "Animals for Adoption" column in this newspaper.

Animals up for adoption through the ADHS have been examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated and, if old enough, neutered (spayed-female, castrated-male.) Other places to look for animals up for adoption include municipal pounds and veterinary hospitals.

If you are not sure about the routine medical needs and costs of a pet you should contact a veterinarian. Remember, these are the basic needs. You can also count on some other veterinary requirements including some emergency visits from time to time. You should also have a good idea as to what pet food, supplies and toys will cost.

If your dog or cat has not been neutered you will want to have this surgery done as well. In any case it is a good idea to have established a relationship with a veterinarian who you are comfortable with prior to bringing your new family member home.

We usually take our newly adopted animal companion for a veterinary check-up before bringing her home. Even after getting a clean bill of health we usually keep the new addition separated from our other animals for 7-10 days in case she has something that can be transmitted to our other animals. (This separation period also gives our other animals a period to adjust to their new sibling as they are aware of the animal’s presence, they just aren’t allowed to get close to her.)

If you have animals at home and you’re concerned that the pet you’re considering adopting and your other animals won’t get along you might try introducing the animals to each other on neutral ground. Remember, it often takes some time for animals to get used to one another.
If you have some holidays coming up and you are committed to providing a good home to a pet in need, you might consider adopting your furry friend during your vacation - provided you can spend lots of time helping your pet get adjusted to her new family and home. Your kindness and love will be returned several times over by your new faithful companion.