TIPS ANDY

For A More Humane World

© JON KAWA

Our mascot, Andy, offers good advice TIPS ON BEING A GOOD HUMAN COMPANION

Ihada request from a reader to talk about what makes a responsible human companion? Here are my thoughts from my own life, others’ lives and my research.

1. First of all, spay/neuter, spay/neuter, spay/neuter! Let’s get those high, high, numbers in shelters down, and my fellow dogs and cats off the street!

2. Go for walks and exercise. This is beneficial to my human and to me to stay fit! Play is stimulating, and this is bonding time!

3. Research and take time to explore the type of companion animal you think you could take responsibility for. For example, does your apartment have rules regarding weight or breed? Can you access a place to exercise together? How long are you at work? Do you need a pet sitter?

4. Be sure you have a veterinarian in advance if you do not already. This is a critical relationship in your lives and it takes time to find someone right for you and yours.

5. Keep vaccines and health checks (including dental) up to date. Schedule expeditiously, as you do for yourself.

6. Talk to your vet about parasites in your area and what to do about them.

7. A new family member may have some separation anxiety once you start your regular routine of leaving the home. Prepare for this with short trips that show you will return! Try to make the departure calm and matter of fact so there does not seem to be any unnecessary need for additional stress.

8. Consider an older dog or cat! Most rescue dogs and cats are spayed/neutered, current on inoculations and shelter workers can give you a fair idea of temperament. Older dogs are ideal for a human parent who does not have the time or interest to train a puppy or kitten and the rewards are tremendous as the older guys/girls KNOW they are going to a fur-ever home after often being (sadly) displaced.

9. Be very attentive at dog parks! Be a good parent and an example by using doggie bags and be mindful of who looks aggressive, rough houses or in a modality that might be a concern to your animal companion.

10. Don’t leave your family members alone too often or for too long. This avoids possible destructive behavior due to youth, acting out from fear or separation anxiety, and simply for safety reasons – you would never leave a human child alone.

11. Research safe toys. Beware of squeakers or material that can be swallowed. Switching out toys can be a new and easy way to stimulate!

12. Research the proper diet for your companion animal. Consult with your veterinarian after a health check for what is appropriate. ALWAYS have clean water available.

13. Grooming (including nail clipping] is important. Can you do this yourself or is my family member in need for a professional to help out? Research, and ask friends and family for recommendations.

14. Dental health should also be considered and discussed with your veterinarian.

15. Doggie obedience school should be a fun experience for both of you. It is good idea for safety (stay means stay! and come means come!) and to develop good human and dog citizens. This reinforces one of the joys of the relationship and shows others by good example. It is also a fun way to socialize!

16. When you are out in public with your canine companion, you are demonstrating the positives of the human/animal bond. This is an example for the sake of all other animal companions in a positive way and for those humans who are not as sensitive to animals or are fearful.

17. Keeping your companion on a leash and in their own home space is just being a good neighbor. Not everyone is a dog person, or a cat person, or a human child person.

18. Always supervise your animal companions when they are with children, not only for the human child’s sake, but for the animal companion’s sake.

19. Human companions have the option and right to not allow their companion animals to be touched or petted by strangers. When my human companion is asked, “Is your dog friendly?” My human family member says, “Usually, but I do not know how they feel today, so I prefer you don’t.” Your job is to protect your companion animal.

20. ALWAYS use positive reinforcement!! Rewarding can come from your voice! (Treats are appreciated too!)

21. Take an assessment of your lifestyle before adopting. Are you/ your family ready for the emotional, financial and time commitment that a companion animal requires? Consider energy level, size, grooming needs and personality/temperament.

22. Avoid bringing a new animal companion into the house until AFTER the holidays! Too much confusion, too much noise, too many distractions and too easy to get overlooked or accidentally let out! Yikes!

23. If you insist on going to a breeder for a companion, research reputations and track records with the AKC, and get papers on the companion first by receiving an AKC registration application from the breeder. The breeder fills out the appropriate sections themselves. This allows you to register your companion animal. This is to avoid backyard breeders who breed without experience and often neglect Mom’s prenatal care. You are endorsing more irresponsibility and likely to get a companion with health issues or worse if you answer an ad for puppies.

24. Transition your new family member by preparing in advance. Whatever supplies you need, get them ahead of time; food, collar, leash, bed, bowls, brush AND toys and treats!

25. If you share your home with other family, close friends, arrange who is available for back up if you are late getting home, or ill. Sharing responsibilities is good for everyone!

26. Have an emergency contact list (including the vet) with instructions posted, just in case!

27. Before your new family member arrives, move breakables, anything you would not like chewed and make sure electrical cords are inaccessible. Be mindful of any plants that may be toxic.

28. If your yard is fenced, be sure it is secure. Keep all dogs on a leash when out of your space for their own safety!

29. Everyone needs their own space for rest and privacy. Create an area that is theirs; such as a bed, blankets, or a crate. You can keep the door to the crate open so they know they can retreat there when they want to; it is their safe place.

30. Allow time for the new family member to adjust. This includes getting to know the other family; human and animal. Be patient.

31. Housetraining also requires patience but also it requires consistency.

32. Needs change as we age. Be aware of this with your companion animals as their diet may need adjusting, exercise routines revised and more sleep needed. Consider some holistic treatments such as acupuncture and massage!

33. Be sure all have identification tags and are MICROCHIPPED.

34. Be mindful of travel safety. Using a crate prevents escape if the vehicle’s door is opened unexpectedly at a stop. Watch out for the hanging out the windows as this can cause eye injuries or even potentially falling out! NEVER allow your companion family member to travel in the back of an open truck unsecured.

35. If you plan a trip together, be sure it is animal-friendly and that there are things you can do together.

36. Prepare for a possible disaster by having an emergency kit of water, food, contact numbers and first aid. Be sure any shelter you would go to allows animal family members.

37. When the time comes to say goodbye due to illness or age or if their quality of life is severely compromised, meet with your trusted veterinarian about helping them to the other side in a quiet and humane way; hopefully with those he/she loves and trusts. They seem to be ready way before we are with their transition. Remember, there is no way an animal companion would want you to be sad and miserable, so think of them in these very difficult times.

38. First and foremost, love, love, love, love.

Love, Andy

Here are some very strong reasons to adopt and spay/neuter from the ASPCA:

• Approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.1 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. We estimate that the number of dogs and cats entering U.S. shelters annually has declined from approximately 7.2 million in 2011. The biggest decline was in dogs (from 3.9 million to 3.1 million).

• Each year, approximately 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized (390,000 dogs and 530,000 cats). The number of dogs and cats euthanized in U.S. shelters annually has declined from approximately 2.6 million in 2011. This decline can be partially explained by an increase in the percentage of animals adopted and an increase in the number of stray animals successfully returned to their owners.

• Approximately 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year (2 million dogs and 2.1 million cats).

• About 810,000 animals who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners. Of those, 710,000 are dogs and 100,000 are cats.