How to Decide if Your Family Can Care for a Pet Are You Ready for Fido?
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?
a smaller pet, as many larger animals require more square footage and plenty of outdoor space.
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.
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.
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
HOMEMADE CORNED BEEF
Take a Break!
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
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2 quarts water 1 cup kosher salt
1. In a large stockpot, combine water, garlic, and all herbs and spices tomake brine. Cook over high heat until salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in ice. 2. Once water temp reaches 45 F, place brisket in a 2-gallon zip- close bag, pour in brine to cover, lay flat in a large container, and store in fridge. 3. Brine for 10 days, checking daily tomake sure brisket is fully submerged and brine is stirred. 4. After 10 days, remove brisket frombrine and rinse under cool water. In a large pot, cover brisket, onion, carrot, and celery with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and gently simmer for 2 1/2–3 hours. 5. Remove, slice across the grain, and serve.
1/2 cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons saltpeter (potassiumnitrate)
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1 cinnamon stick, broken into large pieces 1 teaspoonmustard seeds
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1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
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8 cloves garlic
8 whole allspice berries 12 whole juniper berries 2 bay leaves, crumbled 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 pounds ice
1 5-pound beef brisket, trimmed
1 small onion, quartered
1 large carrot, coarsely chopped 1 stalk celery, coarsely chopped
SOLUTION ON PAGE 4
Inspired by foodnetwork.com
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