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PrintProtecting Your Pet: Bringing A Pet Home
It happens more often than you think. A family brings home a furry friend only to realize the responsibility is more than it can handle. But in tonight's ''Protecting Your Pet,'' Marilyn Mitzel shows us the keys to finding the perfect pooch or kitty for your household.
(WSVN) -- They come in all shapes and sizes. Canines - felines - all want the same thing. Lots of tender loving care.
Pet owner Erica: "I wanted to get one as a puppy so I can grow with it."
Babs comes from the Humane Society.
Pet owner Caroline Fleischer: "We wanted a big dog."
Zoo-Key - a breeder.
Pet owner Diane Delavalle: "i always loved having pets around."
Bachi and Diva - are store bought.
Wherever you go -- know the basics.
Giant Schnauzer Breeder Cynthia Fiorino: "They want a healthy dog, They want a dog with good temperament."
Cherie Wachter from the Broward County Humane Society: "You want to make sure their eyes are clear and that there is no discharge from the nose."
It must have all shots and proof of a vet exam.
Take your health into consideration too.
Dog owner Keith Fleischer: "I'm actually allergic to most dogs."
Pick a pet that fits your lifestyle.
Caroline: "They're playful, wonderful with children."
Research the breed to see if your personalities match.
Toys are precious but fragile and may not be great for rough housing kids.
Eleanora Bonfini from Teacups Puppies & Boutique: "You're not buying a pocketbook, you're buying -- you're adopting a baby."
Bigger animals need space. Small dogs and cats do better in apartments.
Should things go astray - Florida's pet lemon law protects you.
Cherie Wachter from Broward County Humane Society: "The lemon law requires that you're able to get either a refund for the pet, you must be compensated for the medical bills you've encured and many times they have to replace the pet."
Buyers have two weeks to discover undisclosed illnesses and up to a year for genetic defects.
In the end - it mostly comes down to love at first sight. Chances are they will pick you.
Diane: "She's like her mother -- she likes to be a girl's girl and was interested in diva things. I knew she had to come home. The kids love her."
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: mmitzel@wsvn.com
Broward County Humane Society
954-989-3977
Teacups Puppies & Boutique
954-985-8848
Ellobo Giant Schnauzers Breeder
Cynthia Fiorino
954-587-7252