How to Decide if Your Family Can Care for a Pet ARE YOU READY FOR FIDO? IS YOUR FAMILY READY? Every family is different, and it’s important to have an honest discussion about the implications of owning a pet. If you have kids, consider how much they will be able to contribute to such a responsibility. Another factor to consider is how much free time you have to spend with your pet; some animals require more attention than others. To avoid major conflict down the road, discuss care and responsibility plans as a family before welcoming an animal into your home. Keeping a pet can be a source of joy for your family, but it can also be a source of stress. Before making any major choice, talk to your family members and consider what owning a pet would mean for all of you.
While we don’t know exactly why humans keep pets, one fact is certain: Millions of people love them. In fact, nearly 70 percent of households in the U.S. have a pet. But no matter what you see on your favorite dog Instagram accounts, keeping a pet isn’t endless playtime. Ask yourself the following questions before buying or adopting a furry companion. DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE GETTING INTO? Owning a pet can change your lifestyle. To start, you will have to consider the animal’s well- being when hosting events or taking vacations. You will also have to make room in your budget for pet-related expenses. Additionally, some animals can live for upward of two decades.
Discuss how responsibilities will change as a pet ages and what your future will look like before making the commitment. DOES AN ANIMAL FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE? When choosing a pet for your family, gather research from animal experts and other pet owners. Calculate the cost of owning a pet, and evaluate how that animal will fit into your lifestyle. For example, dogs are one of the most high- maintenance and expensive animals to own, but they tend to be more involved in family life than a cat or a hamster. That said, your home’s size and location may make it better suited for a smaller pet, as many larger animals require more square footage and plenty of outdoor space.
ANN SHARES WHAT SHE LOVES ABOUT ALTITUDE AND HER COMMUNITY
As the front desk receptionist at our Nampa Southside clinic, Ann is one of the first friendly faces you’ll see here. She relishes the opportunity to be in such an interactive position. “Working with patients is really awesome,” Ann says. “I love working with them and welcoming them to our clinic. It’s a benefit of working at the front desk.” Ann says these good feelings extend to her team members, who are a big part of what makes working at Altitude so great. “I really enjoy everyone I get to work with. Sean is a great boss. Kayla, our PT, has been really great, and Dan as well,” Ann says. One of her favorite parts about working for Altitude PT is how involved we are in community outreach and volunteer work. “Our overall commitment to local community is great. We did a coat drive, Rake up Nampa, and Run Club, and all the workshops Sean does are totally free,” she says.
about how physical therapy can help ease pain and discomfort. “We provide information for people who aren’t familiar with it. These may be people who couldn’t otherwise afford to come in to see a PT. They can get good information and ask Sean questions.” As a Nampa resident (in fact, home is only a few minutes from work), Ann understands the value of community events and businesses that create these connections for people. “I try to have fun at work and at home — sometimes the two coincide,” Ann says. “We all like to joke and have fun at Altitude while being professional and taking our jobs seriously.” Ann adds, “I love working for a small business. We’re like family.” After a day at work, Ann practices what we preach about a healthy lifestyle. “I enjoy staying active and running, and I can’t wait for warmer weather for hiking. I love to explore,” Ann says. She’s looking forward to the start of Run Club this spring, and she also loves spending time with her two
Ann and her daughters exploring Celebration Park last summer!
daughters on adventures in Nampa and Boise. “Last weekend we went roller skating,” Ann says.
We’re so glad to have Ann on our team, and we know you feel the same way. Ann, thank you for all you do for our team and our patients!
Ann has been helping coordinate workshops aimed at educating and informing the community
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