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dog, but it should be a mammal he can interact with. Goldfish in a bowl won’t help much.
    However, another pet won’t be much comfort if the two (or more) have to be kept separate because they don’t get along. Before adopting another pet to keep your stay-at-home dog company, ask your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist for advice on choosing an animal with a temperament that will complement your dog’s personality. And remember, a companion animal cannot substitute for time spent with you; just because your dog has company during the day doesn’t mean that he — and the companion animal — doesn’t need your time, attention, and love when you are at home.
    When you bring home the new pet, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that the introductions are civilized.
    1. When you bring home the new pet, have someone on hand to keep the pet outside while you go in and greet your dog as you normally do. Once your dog feels she has had a fair share of your attention, then bring in the new pet. Do so with a minimum of fanfare. Plan to spend the next several hours with the pets as they get to know each other.
    2. Keep your dog by your side so you can easily reach out and stroke her and scratch her ears while you are petting or holding the new pet. Speakin low, calm, and encouraging tones to both pets.
    3. Let the pets interact and sniff each other, but stay close by to quell any aggression. If the new pet is also a dog, one or the other of the dogs will show submissive behavior, although not necessarily the one you would have thought. This is okay; the animals must determine their own “rules of the pack.”
    4. Do not expect the pets to share. Make sure the new pet has his own dishes for food and water, his own toys, and his own bed. Do not take any of these away from your dog to give to the new pet. Treat your dog with respect and consideration during this transition, and she is likely to accept her new housemate much faster.

    Dogs are pack animals; they enjoy having company. With patience and the proper introductions, you can adopt companion animals for your dog. They’ll keep each other company during the day while you’re away
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Edited by Jeanée Ledoux and Nancy Ringer
Cover illustration by Jeffrey Domm
Cover design by Carol J. Jessop (Black Trout Design)
Text illustrations by Rick Daskam, except pages 1, 9, and 32
     by Jeffrey Domm
Text production by Leslie Noyes
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    Kephart, Paula,