This Month's Topic: Dog Days of Summer

 We’re thinking about getting a pet at my house. Because I’m allergic to cats, afraid of birds, and uncomfortable around small rodents, the animal of choice for us is a dog.  But if you’re children are clamoring for an animal, how do you know what’s the right one for you? I found a great checklist of questions to ask yourselves, written by T J Dunn, DVM at ThePetCenter.com.  If you’re thinking about adding a pet to your family, ask yourself the following questions.--Diana…

 Are there any health risks — or benefits — that a family should consider when thinking about getting a pet?--Diana…

 If you’ve decided to bring an animal into your home, be it dog, cat or iguana, the next decision you have to make is where to get it. Do you buy your pet or rescue one?  I was talking about this very thing with a friend from high school who I “bumped into” on Facebook not too long ago. It turns out David is a very active advocate for animals and a member of the Executive Committee of PAWS Chicago, an animal rescue group. When I told him we were thinking of getting a dog, he chimed in with some excellent reasons why we should adopt one from a shelter. He had such great ideas that I asked David to share his thoughts with us at sproutonline.--Diana…

 My kids are really begging us for a dog, and Kevin and I have done a lot of talking about this and think we're ready to make the leap. All our conversations have made me wonder how do we know that our family is ready for a pet? And how much work can we expect our young children to do for the animal? I asked Jennifer Remeta, who blogs at Toddler Tactics, and who just happens to have young children and a tremendous love of animals for some advice!--Diana …