Anyone who knows me, knows that I am notoriously early for everything. Obnoxiously so sometimes. I can’t help it. Being late gives me anxiety, and as Mr. Webb used to say, “If you’re early you’re on time, if you’re on time, you’re late, and if you’re late, you’re out the door.” So that means we can start celebrating ‘Adopt a Shelter Dog’ month early too! Though really, it starts October 1st, so I’m barely even early.

Making the decision to adopt a dog, is a big decision. There is a lot to consider, and it’s easy to get caught up in cute puppy eyes and forget about the enormity of your decision.

Luckily, the Lycoming County SPCA has some basic questions to ask yourself before you make the choice to adopt!

So:
• Many pets live 10 to 15 years. How old will you be? How old will your children be?
• Is there a chance you could move in the next 10 years? Are you willing to restrict your choice of housing to accommodate a pet?
• If the pet is for a child are you willing to assume the care of the pet? Children must have parental guidance to care for a pet regardless of their age.
• Each breed of animal has genetic characteristics that need to be considered. Have you researched the breed that you are interested in?
• Are you financially prepared for a pet? Consider the following expenses: spaying or neutering, basic veterinary care, flea preventative, heartworm preventative, license, food, grooming.

I always considered myself a cat person, but you have all seen enough pictures of my big butthead of a dog to know I am an equal opportunity pet person now.

I can’t lie though. There were a lot of unexpected challenges that come with having a dog that no amount of research and planning could have prepared me for. So in addition to the questions above, be sure that you are ready to be PATIENT. Really, really, patient.

Also, please do your research on breed. If you work a lot of hours, or aren’t physically active, a husky (while adorable) probably isn’t the best fit for you. At the same time, if you love to run, walk and hike, a senior dachshund won’t be the right pick either. Don’t overlook the so-called bully breeds either. Some of the best, sweetest, friendly, dogs that I know (my own included), are considered ‘bully breeds.’

The good news is, that if you are ready to bring home a new furbaby for your family, the SPCA has a lot of great dogs just waiting for you to take them home and love them! They are only open by appointment at the moment, but you can check out who is up for adoption at lycomingspca.com. You can also get all of you paperwork filled out there too!

Even if you aren’t ready to add a pet to your home, the SPCA can always use a little help. In addition to always-welcome monetary donations, the SPCA is also in need of:

• Nylabones
• Laundry detergent
• Bleach
• Fabric softener sheets
• Cash donations to help pay for medicines
• Postage stamps
• Foil bagged dog treats
• Pig ears
• Gift cards for office supplies, department stores
• Gasoline cards for Humane Officers trucks
• Heavy load trash bags
• Gift cards to purchase interactive toys.

The SPCA does such great work for so many animals in the area and anything you can do to ease the way for them is always appreciated.

Just remember that pets are a huge personal and financial responsibility so please don’t take it on unless you are fully prepared. Dogs especially need a lot of time, attention and dedication.

Every pet at the SPCA is spayed or neutered and up-to-date on all of their vaccines so all they need from you is a home and love!