2222727222227 Q U i Qn 2 2PPIAAAADAAZ PPPPAPPVIAAPPARAPIORPVIITARAIAAORERTTREETERETEEERERRRREREE You: Ready To Be A Pet Owner? (NAPSA)—If you’re thinking of welcoming a four-legged companion into your home on a long-term basis, you may want to “paws” and take this quiz from The Humane Society of the United States—and see if you're ready to be a pet’s best friend. For each question, choose the statement that best applies to you, then score your response accordingly. 1. a. lown my own home (5 pts.), b. My rental unit allows pets (3 pts.), ce. My rental unit doesn’t allow pets (-5 pts.) 2. a. My budget allows at least $500 per year to spend on a pet (5 pts.), b. I can afford pet food and annual vet visits, but not much else (2 pts.), c. I would have to borrow money for the pet adoption fee (-5 pts.) 3. a. I have lots of free time to spend with a pet (5 pts.), b. I can squeeze in a few minutes a day (0 pts.), c. ’m really busy and I’m rarely home(-5 pts.) 4. a. I can keep a pet for up to 20 years (5 pts.), b. The next five years look good, but I’m not so sure after that (0 pts.), c. I’m not sure whereI'll be living next year (-5 pts.) 5. I want a pet because: a. Pets offer companionship and unconditional love (5 pts.), b. Pets are good practice for having kids (2 pts.), c. My kids are begging for a puppy (-5 pts.), d. I love the dog in the hit movie/TV show (-10 pts.) 6. When I travel: a. A trusted neighbor/relative lives nearby and can pet sit (5 pts.), b. I can afford professional pet sitting services (5 pts.), c. ’d probably board my pet at the local kennel (2 pts.), d. My pet would be okay alone for a few days (-5 pts.) The Humane Society of the United States @ Before adopting a pet, you should be sure you're ready for the responsibility. How did you score? 25-30: You’re ready for a new pet. Visit your local animal shelter to find the pet right for you. 20-24: In most respects you’re ready for a pet, but you may want to consider whether yourlifestyle can meet the needs of an animal before you make yourdecision. 10-20: You may think this is the right time for a pet, but take a hard look to be sure you get the right pet. A gerbil, hamster or other small domestic mammal is probably a better choice than a dog. Below 10: Now is not a good time to get a pet. Re-evaluate your situation in another year or two before making a decision you may regret. For more information about pets visit www.hsus.org
