Do right by 'baby' for long, happy life together

There isn't anything better than bringing a new baby home, is there? Making space for the new arrival, taking time to make all the preparations, getting the nest in order, if you will.

The time you have before that new bundle of joy comes home is precious. There are so many things that need to be done and thought about before the big day finally arrives.

Is everything in the home safe for the little one? Is there anything that he can choke on, get hurt by or get into serious trouble with?

These days I find myself picking up cute little blankets for my impending arrival. I keep searching for the perfect toy. Should it be a colorful rope bone, a Frisbee or maybe even a squeaky toy in the shape of a newspaper?

Maxx, our newest baby, will come home Saturday with Jayson and me. Our little boy, a German shepherd/boxer mix, turned 9 weeks old today and is ready to come to his new home and start bonding with his big sister Claudette, the 15-year-old keeshond mix, and the 2-year-old kitties Bizkit and Skyye.

Animal lovers can understand my excitement and anticipation. Maybe even parents in general can understand. There's something so rewarding and fulfilling in being able to care for and love someone who relies on you for everything from food to shelter to emotional support.

I've never had children, so I've been lucky enough to find someone who loves animals as much as I do. They are my children. I love them, take care of them, make sure they never want for anything and love them with all my heart. And the best part about animals is when they grow up they can't go to a therapist who convinces them all the problems they have in life are my fault.

The best part about Maxx coming to live with us is that we know he will have a chance in life. He's a rescued dog, cared for in the past few weeks by Denmark Rescue in Rocklin.

I've always been big on rescuing animals, and in turn making sure they are spayed and neutered.

There are too many beautiful creatures in the world forced to live in shelters, or worse being euthanized, because there are not enough people willing to take on the responsibility of caring for them.

Thankfully, there are some truly caring people in this world.

People like the workers and volunteers at shelters and animal rescue organizations like Denmark Rescue or the Placer County SPCA.

They are selfless people who would do anything to ensure an animal - be it dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig or whatever - get a loving, safe place to call home and a family willing to give them the best life possible.

Take the time to get to know these places. Even if you can't adopt an animal permanently, some shelters are always looking for good homes to place animals in for the short term until they can be adopted.

Or, you could always volunteer at a shelter or animal organization.

Most of these places run on a shoestring budget, and food and medical supplies ain't cheap by any means.

There's also the option of making a monetary donation.

They are normally tax-deductible and obviously go for a good cause.

Think you can't afford a donation?

Give up one extra pack of cigarettes or a few lattes a week and the extra change adds up quickly.

But if you are an animal lover or pet owner, do the best thing you can to help shelters and rescue groups cut down on the number of animals they take in and care for each day: spay or neuter your pet.

It makes them better behaved and ensures you and your pet will be happier in the long run.

Reference: www.thepresstribune.com

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