Have you seen the movie Hachi: A Dog’s Tail? I cried for the last half of the movie. If you’re a dog person you will want to see this movie. I’m searching for a new puppy. Here are some of my thoughts of what will be needed for a new puppy. I would really like to get a small poodle mix puppy, but before I begin I need to get prepared. So much to think about! Where to start, nutrition, safety, training, grooming, crates, toys, vets?

I guess I’ll start with nutrition. I would like all natural, nutrient rich dog food with no fillers. My last puppy started with regular puppy food. Then, because of digestive issues, she was on a special canned food. As she became a senior dog, she developed liver problems. I started her on whole foods. We tried refrigerated dog foods and frozen dog foods, and even cooked some. I’m not sure what is best, but I think whole dog foods are my choice. We’ll need something to put the food and water in for the puppy. What kind of dog food dish or containers are best? There are some with a stand that holds a dog food bowl and a water bowl. Others are separate dog food containers and dog water containers. Then there are automatic dog feeding containers and automatic dog watering containers. And still there are dog treats to get. I have tried many different puppy treats and dog treats for my dog Lucy. She was particular about what she liked.

House training is important. A dog crate will be needed along with a dog bed. Maybe a dog pen or gate, along with potty pads, and dog proof rugs. A puppy teething ring will help a new puppy from chewing on shoes, furniture or whatever else may attracted a puppy. Dogs will need toys to play with.

The pets safety must be considered. There are many different kinds of dog collars and harnesses, name tags and leaches. Dog collars may be reflective, bark collars, or a collar with your name and phone number in case they get lost. Have the dog microchipped. Did you know there are security dog cameras and GPS dog trackers? When the weather is bad or there are fireworks going off pets often get scarred and run. Sometimes they can’t find their way home and the owners can’t find them.

Depending on what kind of dog you choose, it may be regular grooming. Other grooming essentials would be dog shampoo and conditioner, and brush for fur. Dental care such as tooth brush, tooth past and maybe dental treats. Some pet health care products should also be on hand in case there is a need. This may include something for fleas and ticks, and something for pet anxiety.

I’m hoping to rescue a puppy within the next few months. There are so many pets that are abandoned by their owner. Animals have feelings just like we do. If you watch the movie about Hachi that I mentioned above, you will know what I’m talking about. When you decide to get a pet of your own, please consider giving a rescue animal a chance to have a loving, fur ever home.