ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- For about a year prior to our permanent change of station in the summer of 2002, my twin boys Chris and Jon talked relentlessly to me and their mother about getting a dog.
After we PCS'd to Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., we gave in to our children's demands and began our search for a fifth family member.
My requirements were simple; a breed that could handle the onslaught of terror that two four year olds would unleash: maybe a Labrador or Golden Retriever. My wife's requirements were even simpler; a dog that was full grown. After that, the decision to find our new dog came into focus and we turned to a local rescue facility to adopt. Easy right? Not by a long shot. I've never adopted a child, but I often wonder if that would have been easier.
Paperwork ensued and endless questions had to be answered. Then, adopting our Lab became even harder when the Rescue learned we were a military family. Military members aren't known to take good care of pets or to keep pets for long periods of time. After many questions, interviews, promises and pledges by two little boys, the rescue reluctantly agreed to let us adopt our 18-month-old dog. Bringing Riley into our house has been one of the best decisions we have ever made.
Riley is a fantastic dog; everything you would expect from a Lab. Smart, active, good around children, doesn't stray and he LOVES water; truly man's best friend. I sometimes wonder why Riley was in a rescue. He's well-mannered almost like he had been through obedience school. Someone had put in an awful lot of effort to raise him through puppy-hood. Did he get separated from his family ... left somewhere on accident? Was he abandoned? Who knows?
As military members, we carry many responsibilities. Pet ownership is another we must put on our list. If you're already a pet owner, ensure you are fully committed to taking care of your pet. Understandably, and sometime regrettably, one may not be able to continue to have a pet in their household. Things like being diagnosed with allergies or having children could lead to incompatibilities with pets. If you can no longer have a pet, do your part to find them a new home; don't send them packing out on the street. Remember to be a good guest here in the United Kingdom. Don't dump your responsibilities off on our hosts. Consider agencies that can teach you pet responsibilities as well as help you find new, safe and loving homes for pets.
For animal lovers interested in adopting a dog, October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals can assist you with finding the perfect friend. A word of caution; do your homework before bringing a pet into the family home. Taking on a new pet should not be a rash decision. Take time to consider what kind of pet you would like or what breed. The ASPCA advises people to consider five questions before they adopt a pet:
1. Am I ready to make a long-term commitment? Adopting a pet means being responsible for its health and happiness for the rest of his or her life: this could be up to 15 years for dogs. We have busy lives and sometimes work long hours, deploy or go on vacation; do you have the capability to provide for your pet while you are away? Some dogs need walks, rain or shine. Be ready to care for their needs.
2. Is the animal right for my household? Will that breed have enough space in your home? A strong, active pet may be too much for a young child or elderly person to handle. Small pets may be too delicate for rough play with children. Always make sure that everyone in the household agrees to adopt an animal and everyone assumes a roll in its well being.
3. Who will be the primary caretaker for the animal? One adult in the home should be designated as the primary caretaker so that the pet's needs do not become lost in the shuffle of busy schedules.
4. Can I afford the animal? The cost of a pet is more than just the purchase price or adoption fee. Remember to include food costs, pet supplies, veterinarian bills and training. Out-of-pocket travel and shipping costs to your next duty station should also be expected and could be a concern as travel costs continue to rise.
5. Am I ready to commit to making this dog a good canine citizen? A well-trained dog is a pleasure and is welcome in public parks, on walks and as a visitor. Research shows that people who take the time to train their dogs are more likely to keep them longer than people who don't.
If your family is interested in adopting animals or you have the unfortunate possibility of having to find your pet a new home, more information can be found at the RSPCA's website www.rspca.org.uk or at the ASPCA's website www.aspca.org. Additionally, for local information regarding local laws and help with pets, the East Anglian military community has its own Animal Welfare Officer. Ms. Yvonne Chadwick, 48th Force Support Squadron, can be contacted at 226-5796, and will gladly provide assistance.
Your responsibilities as an Airman don't finish at the end of the duty day. Consider carefully your intentions and abilities when taking on a new pet. Pets will certainly bring joy to your life as you will to theirs. Looking for a pet to add to your family? Consider adopting from a shelter or rescue facility. Dogs like Riley will thank you!
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