THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, July 12, 1994 TAG: 9407120040
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CHARLOTTE SHEPARD, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
ADVICE FROM a pet professional is very helpful when one decides to adopt a puppy of uncertain ancestry or an aristocratic kitten.
``Cats are the number one pet today as they have fewer requirements and are easier to handle,'' said Dr. Kay Gross, a veterinarian and the executive director of the Norfolk Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). ``However, they also need love and interaction with people.''
``It is difficult to say who should adopt which breed of dog,'' Gross said, ``as so much depends on the personality of the dog and what each individual wants and can handle.''
Gross pointed out that while purebreds have certain breed characteristics, each has a distinct personality.
Mixed breeds have a mingling of genes that counteract some of the less desirable traits that might be found in a purebred,'' Gross pointed out, ``and they need homes so desperately and make absolutely wonderful pets.''
Prime considerations before adopting a pet are: what you can physically handle and how much exercise you can give, how much time you have, whether you travel, how much space you have and do you have a fenced yard for a large dog? There are also financial considerations, such as caring for a sick pet and preventive medicine, which are important.
``Puppies personalities are still forming, so I suggest older dogs for older people,'' Gross said, ``and the older dog is easier to care for.''
She feels that there is no age when a dog can't be trained and suggested obedience classes for adopted all dogs. ``Each owner must decide what is acceptable to them,'' she said.
Gross feels it is very difficult to specify the types of pets for certain groups of people. ``While most would not want a large dog in an apartment, my sister has one and it works for her because she is a runner, and it gets plenty of exercise,'' she said.
``I don't believe an Akita would do well with children,'' she said, ``and while some shepherds would be wonderful with children, many would not.''
West highland terriers, golden retrievers and black labs are three breeds the doctor said would do well with children. ``A small child must be taught not to pull the dog's tail and how to treat the animal,'' Gross cautioned.
Gross said poodles, Boston terriers and beagles would be excellent choices for the older owner. ``An older owner must be certain that they can handle the weight of the animal and its exercise requirements,'' she said.
Gross said SPCA had a bulletin board where owners could list and look for their pets. ``I believe you should go to the various shelters to look in person and not just call as your and the shelter or kennel's description might not be the same,'' she said. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
ERIC THINGSTAD
Dr. Kay Gross advises people on which pets best suit their needs.
by CNB