Bringing Up Baby

Make your new pet's homecoming happy and hassle free.

By Nancy Coveney

From Reader's Digest

• Get your puppy a crate for sleep, travel and housebreaking.



• Choose a vet immediately. Ask friends for recommendations.



• Bring a dog to obedience class right away.



• Introduce a puppy to lots of people and animals early on, and get him used to sounds (vacuum cleaners) and experiences (car rides).



• Adopt two cats -- if you can. They do well with a friend.



• If a kitty circles like she's looking for something, or races to a corner of the room, show her the litter box. She'll learn where it is fast.



• Keep an eye on kids and other pets until kitty adjusts.