Cyndy Baker and her three kids -- Kyle, 8; Alex, 4; and Keith, 1 -- crowded around the Duck Pond in Norman, Okla., with handfuls of bread crumbs and an adventurous spirit. The kids gazed at the ducks, who were greedily eating any morsel sent their way.
The only thing missing from the picturesque family was a black Labrador or golden retriever.
But Baker said she's been there and done that with the pets, and she's just not ready for any more.
"If you aren't really an animal person yourself, then you shouldn't get a pet," Baker said.
The Baker family did have a cat and a dog for a while, but they realized that having pets and little kids was difficult. The dog was constantly chewing on things and leaving them on the floor for Keith to find.
So the Bakers are going to wait before getting more animals.
Have Time For A Pet?
This appearance of furry little animals all over parks and sidewalks in the spring often causes children to look imploringly into their parents' eyes and beg for one of their own.
But there are a few things parents should consider before giving in to the merciless begging.
"First, I would say for the parents to take a really good look at their lifestyle and consider how much time they are willing to devote to caring for a pet," said Stephanie Shain, director of outreach at the Humane Society of the United States.
Work and school schedules should play a large part in what kind of pet a family decides to get. Another factor, Shain said, is the amount of time parents are willing to commit to caring for the pet.
Mary Katherine Long, director of Second Chance Animal Sanctuary in Norman, Okla., said the responsibility of the animal is a huge factor in deciding on a pet.
"I think it's very important for parents to realize that although they may say they're getting the animals for the kids, it's unrealistic to expect that the kids in the family are going to be the primary caregiver for the animals," Long said. "It's not fair for the animals, and it's not fair for the kids."
Both Long and Shain said a pet's well-being is put in the hands of the parent.
Think About CostsShain said the family should also take into account how much a pet can cost, both in the short term and long term.
"Make sure you're prepared for the investment financially," Shain said. "There is no inexpensive pet."
She said veterinary expenses, boarding, food and toys can all take a bite out of the wallet. If a family is caring for a guinea pig, they will spend about $565 a year. A large dog could cost about $780, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
If a family has decided they have the time to dedicate to a pet and the finances for one, then they must do their research as to what kind of pet to get.
"I do always encourage people to get on the Internet, go to the library or to go to PetSmart and do some research, and get some sense of what they want," Long said.
What Animal Fits?Michelle Friedman, a spokeswoman for PetSmart, said there are multiple publications that highlight the pros and cons of different animals and all their breeds.
She said that although people tend to think it's good to begin with small pets, these animals turn out to be different than expected.
"Small pets, like hamsters and gerbils, can be cute, but they tend to be less sociable," Friedman said. "Keep in mind that many small pets are active at night and quiet during the day. That may throw some people off that don't know that."
Her suggestion? Try a rodent.
"Although they may have a bad image, the truth is, [rodents] are intelligent," she said. "In fact, they can be taught to do tricks."
If a family is searching for something bigger, such as a dog, it's important they do research on the different breeds.
The shelter Long works at has a Doggie Day Out program that allows people to come in and take the dog for the day and bring it back before closing.
The idea started because the shelter is in a college town full of students who don't have the resources or the housing to take care of a pet full-time.
"It's a great way for them to get time with the animal and a way to get a doggy fix, if you will," Long said. "It's a great way for our animals to get socialized and get out in the community to kind of market themselves."
This program also allows families to take out different breeds to see what they do and don't like in the different animals.
Puppy Or Dog?Shain said it's sometimes a better idea to adopt an older dog from a shelter rather than buying a puppy.
"Parents are looking at this nostalgic idea of the child and the puppy or the child and the kitten growing up together," Shain said. "But puppies and kittens can be particularly difficult because they tend to nip and scratch. They're learning about their world, just as a child is."
There are many things to consider when deciding on which pet is best for the family. However, the addition of an animal to the family is priceless.
"Pets provide a lot of unconditional love, and they're a great source of entertainment," Long said. "They also are a good way for kids to learn things like compassion and getting outside yourself and caring for something besides just yourself."
Check KPHO.com all week for these Pet Week features: Monday -- Diet Choices Can Keep Pets Healthy, Happy Tuesday -- Should You Get A Pet? Wednesday -- Your Pet Can Lead You To Love Thursday -- Some Pet Owners Spare No Expense Friday -- Best Movies For Pet LoversMore Extras:Investing In A Happy Dog Cut Doggone Vet Bills Do-It-Yourself Pet Beds Tips To Buy A Pet Online Top Pet Gifts, Toys And Treats Financial Tips For Pet Owners Dogs, America's Favorite Pets Dogs That Can Raise Your Insurance Pets Worth Hassles Tips For Traveling With Your PetDistributed by Internet Broadcasting. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
