No one expects to fall in love with the boy next door, but when a shy golden retriever named Lola met her neighbor Loki, sparks immediately began to fly.
In March, Lola and her mom Amber Monte moved into their new home just outside of Surrey, England. Loki, a Staffordshire terrier, was one of the first to greet the new arrivals. His stretch of yard was separated from Monte’s property by a wooden fence, but despite the barrier, the two dogs got to know each other.
“We’ve never lived next to other dogs before, and Lola was so excited to see another dog so often!” Monte told The Dodo. “When Loki was in his garden he’d always jump up at the fence and look for Lola, as he knew she was usually there.”
Lola reciprocated Loki’s advances, but her parents didn’t think it was anything more than a budding friendship. “Lola would always jump up and give him a little hello with some licks,” Monte said. “We only just thought they were getting to know each other and that would be it, really.”
Monte never worried that Lola would form any real attachment to Loki. After all, he just didn’t seem like her normal type. “She’s usually quite shy and timid,” Monte said. “She gets quite scared around other large dogs when we are out on walks, which is why we found it so odd when she took so well to Loki.”
But about a month ago, Monte noticed a change in Lola’s behavior. The dog now preferred to spend her days by the back door whining to go outside, as if pining for Loki.
They are so excited to see each other when they play — there’s lots of jumping around, running, lots of kissing!” Monte said. “They are inseparable when they are together.”
If Loki and Lola prove anything, it’s that love cannot be fenced in.
“A few times the past month we’ve actually come out to see Loki in our garden and them both playing around together,” Monte said. “Now, usually in the mornings when we go to let Lola out, Loki is sat waiting in our garden for her!”The two dogs love nothing more than those precious moments they spend together. And, luckily, Lola’s parents are understanding about her boyfriend’s frequent visits.
First-Time Pet Owners: How to Bond With Your Animal
Remy & Louie send wags and kisses!
Becoming a pet owner is a big responsibility, not just because your animal will look to you for all his needs, but because there are so many details to think about. Keeping him safe, making him feel loved, and making sure you can spend enough time with him are just a few things you’ll need to consider. There’s also preparing your home so he’ll be comfortable, getting your yard ready so he can get some exercise, and ensuring that you’re knowledgeable about his breed and needs.
Once you’ve chosen the right animal for you, you’ll want to help him get acclimated to your home. If he was a rescue, he may not feel comfortable for a while, and that’s okay. Allow him to feel his way through and give him time to make the transition. It’s important for animals, especially if they are rescues, to form a bond with their owners, and this will take a bit of time.
Keep reading for tips on how to make your new pet safe and comfy.
Choose the right animal
It’s imperative to do some research on breeds before you make any decisions. For instance, some pets get along with children better than others, and some long-haired breeds are harder on allergies than short-haired ones. Think about your home, your needs, and the needs of your family before choosing a pet.
Think about your schedule
If you are busy or work long hours, you might want to consider hiring a dog walker to come let your pet out so he’s not stuck inside all day. Think about your schedule and that of your family. Will you have time to spend with your new pet, or will it be difficult to show him attention? A dog walker can definitely help with loneliness as well as letting him out to go to the bathroom.
If you know you won’t be home much for the first few weeks, look for ways to bond with your new pet. Snuggle time, playtime, and exercising are all great ways to form trust and help him feel loved and safe, so do these as much as possible. Rover.com has some more tips on bonding with your new dog.
Prepare your home
Once you’ve chosen your pet, start getting your home ready for him. Gather supplies such as bedding, toys, food and water dishes, crate or cage, a leash and collar, and doggie bags. If he’s a rescue, he may feel more comfortable sleeping in a crate than other animals, so make sure he has a soft blanket to lay on, and let him enter on his own free will.
You’ll also want to make sure your home is pet-friendly by removing slippery throw rugs, exposed wires that might become chew hazards, and toxic houseplants. Check the backyard for holes and any dangerous objects and consider installing a fence if you don’t already have one.
Get active
Many pets, especially dogs, love to play and exercise, so make sure you’re able to carve some time out of your schedule to get active with him, especially during the first few weeks he’s at your home. Whether this means going for long walks after dinner or playing games in the backyard, your dog will appreciate the effort.
Find dog-friendly locales
These days, more businesses, such as bars and even restaurants, are allowing dogs, so check online to find dog-friendly places in your community where you can spend time with your pup. Just be sure to keep him on a leash and bring along a collapsible water dish to keep him hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Becoming a first-time pet owner is a big job, so talk to your loved ones before making any decisions and do as much research as possible beforehand. With a thought-out plan and lots of love and attention, you can make sure your pet is well-loved and adjusts to his new home beautifully.
Courtesy: Jessica Brody…Dog Lover
Visit Jessica for more great information on healthy pets at:
Enjoy the simple pleasures of a walk.
Follow your instincts.
Never underestimate the value of a belly rub.
Be loyal and faithful.
Always drink plenty of water.
Sometimes it is best to just sit close and listen.
Be quick to forgive.
Avoid biting when a growl will do.
Keep digging until you find what you want.
Run and play daily.
Accept all of life’s treats with gratitude.
Life is short; eat often.
Always act like you have a purpose.
Appreciate a simple life.
Give more than you receive.
Be happy with what you have.
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