If this face looks familiar it’s because I have written about Jolly on two previous occasions. The first time was in the post Seeking Love on Valentine’s Day and the second time was in Sweet Earnestine Found A Furever Home. I love being able to report when a dog that I choose to highlight on Memee’s Musings has been adopted, especially when the homeless dog was scheduled for euthanasia due to lack of public interest.

And I just found out that sweet miss Jolly was adopted despite her special needs status. Pairing the right animal to the right person is crucial to adoption success, and so I am thrilled that Jolly’s furever friend walked into the shelter when they did and had their heart swept away. Way to go Jolly!

It is always important that when we think about adding a fur baby to our life that we consider the needs of the animal. Can we commit ourselves to both the short-term and long-term needs of the animal? Bringing a fur baby home is making a commitment just as it is to decide to have a child. Your commitment is for the life of the animal so it is important that whatever animal you choose fits into your lifestyle. Do you travel a lot? If so, then perhaps a Great Dane or Saint Bernard are not the best choice for you. Do you see what I’m getting at? Picking a large dog when much of your life is on the road or spent in an airplane is not fair to the dog. That is just one example of a fur baby-human mismatch.

One of the reasons we love our dogs so much is that they bond with us. They truly enjoy spending time with us and are eager for us to be near them, playing with them, loving on them, or just silently sitting by. So when you head to your nearest shelter looking for the dog to join your family, don’t choose one because you feel sorry for it, don’t choose one because it is the cutest one there. Choose the one that fits into your life. A pet is not an accessory (despite women’s current penchant for carrying them in their handbags) it is a loyal friend that will love you through your worst days and never hold a grudge. It is a family member that yearns for your attention, affection and love. Let that dog fall in love with you too. Don’t be hasty, there will always be more great dogs coming along so wait for the dog that you can create a mutual bond with.

And please remember, do not give an animal as a holiday gift. Animals that are gifted have a much higher chance of being abandoned or given up to shelters. If you don’t believe me, look for bunnies at shelters about a week, two weeks after Easter. Everyone needs to choose the pet that is best for them. If your heart is set on giving a pet to someone, take that person with you and let them do the choosing.

Oh, and if you love dogs but do not have a stable situation to own one, consider fostering or volunteering… shelters are always looking for loving dog lovers to help with the animals, getting them out for walks, socializing them, giving them a temporary home… the options are there, call around and thanks in advance!