HAPPY TAILS TIPS

HAPPY TAILS TIPS
Every animal has its own needs, personality

By JIM JOHNSON

Published Sunday, February 1, 2009

The myriad creatures running through our den would make anyone contemplate the origin of the species. Two, in particular, are noticeably opposites on any evolutionary "map." In the lead is a 12-pound, 6-month-old terrier carrying in his compact frame the mind-set of Napoleon. Close behind is a 6-month-old, 42-pound standard poodle I would affectionately liken to Curly of The Three Stooges. It’s hard to imagine these two would even be on the same branch of the genus tree.

They are just a couple of weeks apart in age yet so far apart in personalities. Mike, the terrier, loves his plush toys and tennis ball, and Duke, the standard poodle, loves to chase Mike with his toys and tennis balls. He doesn’t want the toys; he just wants to chase. It’s cute when Mike jumps up on the couch to be next to us. There isn’t enough room for Duke and my wife and I on the couch, though he sure would like to be up there as well.

Duke has a frenetic yet happy spirit in him. He loves everyone. He wants to bounce and jump up to greet you, and he loves to give kisses. Mike wants to explore, make-believe his stuffed toys are vermin, and skiddaddles around a mile a minute.

Duke prances with a gait not unlike a beautiful saddlebred. Mike’s legs move in a motion similar to the spokes of a bicycle tire.

Yet they are both dogs.

Each has its own personality. Each requires different consideration in need.

All dogs are not the same.

We’ve had just about every type of pet in our home for a while. Though the basics of care are similar, the dynamics they add to a household are as varied as the species, the breed and even the gender. Each of our wonderful foster families has experienced similar circumstances. And while each one is welcomed into our homes, not each one would be the right choice for a lifelong addition to the family.

With Duke and Mike, everything about them - their needs, temperaments, size, food requirements, veterinary necessities, expenses - is different. The families that will eventually include them in their homes will differ as well.

Research personality traits of companion animals. If you are a rabbit family, make sure you are aware of what their needs are. If you are a dog family, check out the personality traits of different breeds. If you want a mixed breed, check out the predominant breed’s traits. There are resources available to all of us to make sure that what we think we would like to have as a pet will fit our lifestyles.

Mike and Duke: the same, only different!

Jim Johnson is vice president and co-founder of Happy Tails Animal Sanctuary. He can be reached at (573) 445-1680, or visit the Web site at www.htsanctuary.com.