His pudgy nose, tiny paws and sloppy, wet kisses melted your heart in an instant. But after giving in to desire and surprising the family with a new furry friend, you found that caring for a new puppy was not exactly what you expected. Adopting a pet can be rewarding, but certain steps must be made before both you and your pet can be ready for the transition. “It’s important to avoid impulse adopting,” emphasizes Dr. Snowden, an associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Pets are a life-long commitment. Dogs and cats can live ten to fifteen years, while parrots and turtles will live much longer.” So, how do you know if you are ready to adopt a pet? Snowden believes the first step of the process is to evaluate your needs and lifestyle. “Before adopting a pet, a potential owner needs to consider the amount of space in the home available to accommodate the pet,” says Snowden. “Evaluating the amount of time and care that can be spent with the animal,...