Pets are like children. They are not easy to take care of at times. They can and will create some chaos, especially when first coming home to live.

They require patience, understanding and love, but they are very much worth the efforts you will expend.

A new pet owner should expect to feel a bit overwhelmed at first, and maybe for a few weeks. That is normal and it will pass. No matter how prepared you think you are, no matter how much you have read, and no matter how much you are looking forward to bringing that new pet home, please remember that your pet will need an adjustment period.

A successful transition for a new pet will be possible if one is not expecting perfection in the first place. Your new pup will not act like your old dog did, and certainly not when the new pup is so young.

We seem to forget all the crazy and messy things that our beloved, older dog did when he or she was young and first living with us. We look at that old dog now and see a well-behaved pet with a routine and a deep trust and understanding of its family members and household. Forgotten are the days when old Fido had no idea who we were or what we were doing in this strange place called a house.

Every new pet is overwhelmed and has to adjust to all the many aspects of its new life. Also, please remember that some animals have been through very rough beginnings to their lives. They can't tell us about those problems, and we can't prove to them that all things will be right in their new life. We have to show them how much we love them over time, and that effort can be trying.

However, all the work will be well worth it when that pet realizes how safe and loved it is with its family. Mutual trust and understanding lead to a wonderful lifetime for people and their pets.

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