Using your head and heart to choose the right pet

Using the right mix of head and heart when choosing a pet to bring into your life is hard to do.

People fixate on breeds or colors or sizes instead of focusing on personality and the needs of the animal.

I faced this dilemma over the recent decision to adopt out one of my foster dogs to a family who lives in Washington, D.C.

Pippi is a rat terrier mix, about a year old. Due to her age and breed, she is extremely energetic. She loves to run and jump and play with other dogs. She shared my fenced yard with two dogs, my own and another foster, Baguette the beagle/basset. Every day we would all walk for at least one hour, covering several miles. Pippi’s small, athletic body could power her for many more hours or miles if I let her.

The applicants live in a city, in a house with a small, fenced yard. They became enamored of the rat terrier breed after dogsitting their friend’s terrier. They sought an affectionate dog who would counterbalance their aloof cat. Only a rat terrier would do (I have heard people restrict their search for dogs to a certain color. When a Salem couple adopted my first foster, I asked how come they couldn’t find a dog in their area? We wanted a big black dog, they said, and couldn’t find one locally).

I stressed to Pippi’s hopeful-family-to-be the breed’s characteristics and the dog’s needs. We understand, they said. I talked to their friend, the terrier owner, noting that terriers can became destructive if not exercised enough. Oh yes, she replied, her own terrier digs up her backyard.

Pippi’s prospective people’s promises of exercise continued. On paper, they looked like a good placement. The parents are attorneys, with one working at home. They have daughters ages 9 and 11. Undoubtedly, the parents are responsible and have the money to keep the dog in kibble for years to come, and will provide her with regular health care.

Plus, they believe in countering pet overpopulation by turning to a rescue/shelter dog, instead of patronizing a pet shop or breeder. Finally, they were willing to make an 8-hour round trip in one day for the dog of their dreams.

I said yes, and the father and daughters came down on a Sunday to pick up Pippi.

While Pippi hung back from the family, Baguette went up to the father, who was sitting on the porch steps, and laid her head on his knee. He quietly stroked her. That, I thought, was a good match.

Baguette craves cuddling, and has a much lower need for exercise. She loves a good walk and jog, but she also enjoys snoozing on the sofa for a few hours. She’d be the affectionate pooch they sought with less maintenance.

I asked the daughters about their walking Pippi. They had already prepared a schedule of walks, one in the morning, one later in the day, with each one lasting 15 to 20 minutes. I reminded them that the good-natured Pippi could turn into a brat if not walked enough. They nodded yes.

The paperwork was completed, and one of the daughters coaxed Pippi off the porch and onto the driveway. They opened the door to their SUV, and Pippi jumped in. The father waved as they started the ride home.

I hope we both made the right decision.

Karin Sherbin volunteers with the Bedford Humane Society. To volunteer or review adoptable pets, go to www.bedfordhu
manesociety.petfinder.com. The Bedford County shelter on 1307 Falling Creek Road will hold an adopt-a-thon on Saturday featuring dog and kids’ activities.