Photo By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service
Are You Ready to Get a Dog?
again. Or Ol’ Yeller, who served his family so faithfully. Or perhaps Pongo of 101
Dalmatians, Benji, or some other dog superstar has caught your eye. Maybe you always wanted a dog, but your parents didn’t let you have one.
Or maybe you’ve grown up with dogs and are looking for another one. Maybe you have a family now and you want your family to enjoy a pet.
If you’re interested in getting a dog, you’re in good company. There are approximately 63 million dogs in the United States alone. About 45 million U.S. households have dogs. You can get a dog in almost any shape, size, or color imaginable (at least those found in nature), and the variety of dog breeds is staggering. If you want a purebred, you have 154 American Kennel Club (AKC) breeds, as well as more than 150 other breeds, to choose from, or you
might opt for a one-of-a-kind mixed-breed dog.
Dogs offer companionship, protection, and, in some cases, services. Most people know about dogs who help visually impaired people, but there are also dogs who hear for those who are deaf and those who can help quadriplegics. Likewise, dogs work as sled dogs, tracking dogs, hunting dogs, herding dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and a variety of other jobs for
humans. No other domesticated animal is so versatile and so bonded to humans.
Whatever the reason, you want a dog. You’re ready for one now. Or are you?
No comments