Once upon a time, an adorable puppy or kitten arrived at his new, loving home. The warm, wet kisses and rumbly purrs of babyhood evolved into a lifetime of love, and everyone lived happily ever after. But wait! What about the middle part of the story?

To make this fairy tale come true, we must accept a small dose of reality. Puppies and kittens take a lot of work and time, and, to be honest, can be very expensive. There are hundreds of questions to be answered. What kind of food should I feed him? How do I get him to walk on a leash? What kinds of shots will he need? How can I make him stop scratching on the couch? The concerns seem endless. So knowing a little about what to expect in the first few months will help make your long-term relationship with your pet a happy one.

It is a good idea to take your new friend to the veterinarian soon after you get him, so your vet can meet your pet and help start things off on the right paw. Your veterinarian will discuss medical issues such as vaccinations, nutrition, feline leukemia, heartworm, internal parasites ("worms"), and spaying or neutering. Your veterinarian and staff will also discuss behavior and grooming issues, help you choose the most appropriate toys and accessories, update you on licensing and legal requirements, help you organize and schedule your veterinary visits, and discuss realistic costs.

Initially, you will be at the veterinarian once a month, so it is important for you to feel comfortable asking the vet and staff for advice. Take a list of questions with you, and don't be afraid to ask a "dumb question." Your obedience trainers and groomers are also good resourced, so be sure to take advantage of their expertise. The first 6 months or so can be very hectic, but the rewards will be great! The time and energy spent caring for your pet now will help ensure a warm, fuzzy, HEALTHY companion, and everyone will live happily ever after.