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1. Why do you want a pet?

This is a question that few people take the time to seriously consider. Adopting a pet because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been begging you for a pet usually ends up being a big mistake. Make certain that you and your family are prepared to make a lifetime commitment to an animal...and remember that commitment may last longer than 15 years. Okay.

2. Do you have time for a pet?

What kind of lifestyle do you lead? Do you travel frequently or work late hours? Dogs, cats and other pets cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. Many animals are in the shelter because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to properly care for them. 

Before adopting, seriously consider whether you have the time to provide for the health of your new pet or the patience to raise a new puppy or kitten.

3. Can you afford a pet?

The costs of pet ownership can exceed $500 per year. Expenses can up quickly for items like: 

• Annual vaccinations
• Food
• Grooming
• Kitty litter
• Licenses
• Routine and emergency veterinary care
• Spaying and neutering
• Toys
• Training classes

4. Are you prepared to deal with the special problems a pet can cause?

Do you have the time and patience to cope with potential problems? A few of the problems you might encounter with a pet include:

• Barking
• Biting
• Digging
• Flea infestations
• General mischievousness
• Housebreaking
• Scratched-up furniture
• Spraying

5. Can you have a pet where you live?

Check your lease for restrictions and be certain you have landlord approval before you bring a pet home.

6. Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind?

Think about the type and size of pet you are considering. Can you comfortably accommodate the pet in your living space? Can you provide the pet adequate shelter from the heat and the cold?

7. Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet?

If you have young children (under six years old), you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a pet. Children should be mature enough to be responsible for and respectful of your new pet.

If you're a student, in the military, or a frequent traveler, consider waiting until you settle down before bringing a pet into your life.

8. Does everyone in your household agree with adopting a pet?

"Surprising" someone with the gift of a pet may sound like a good idea, but it doesn't always work out. Pet ownership requires commitment and cooperation from the whole family.

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1. What is geocaching?

Geocaching is a recreational activity where you find hidden objects using a Global Positioning System (GPS) device and GPS coordinates. It's a real life treasure hunt!

2. How do I play the game?

Use your smartphone or Global Positioning System (GPS) device to find the hidden treasures using the GPS coordinates. All of our caches are posted on the Geocaching website and can be searched for using the geocache codes provided. Getting a geocaching membership is free and easy. Once you are in the right area, start to look around for the cache. Some caches are easy to find but others can be more tricky.

3. What do I need to play?

In order to play, you will need only one thing: a smartphone with Global Positioning System (GPS) or a GPS device. If you are using your smartphone, we suggest downloading the free geocaching application. Once in the app, it's easy to search for our caches using the geocaching (GC) codes provided. If you are using a GPS device, you can find the coordinates on our page. You can also search for our caches online by using the GC codes and putting them in your device or downloading them from the website and uploading them to your device.

4. I found it! What now?

Once you find the cache, do a little happy dance to celebrate, sign the log book and make sure to put the cache back the way you found it. If you are participating in our Recreation Passport Program, make sure to write down the cache code in your journal.

5. Any rules or guidelines I need to know?

As with any awesome activity, there are a few things to keep in mind when playing the game. Here are a few:

• Be respectful of nature and animals. Please don’t mess with any wild animals or feed them; they are on a strict diet.
• Leave it better than you found it. While looking for the cache, if you see any trash, pick it up and help keep the outdoors beautiful. Cache in-trash out!
• Be safe! This means paying attention to your surroundings, staying off private property and obeying any local laws.
• Make sure to log your finds and put the cache back the way you found it so that other geocachers can enjoy it just as you did.
• The geocaching website has lots of info about geocaching. Just visit their site and select the learn menu at the top of the site. There, you can learn about the history of geocaching, find out how to play, watch fun videos and explore the world of geocaching.