Do your homework and take your time.
My dog search involved talking to people, doing some research and visiting places where dogs were available. I asked dog owners and dog trainers what I needed to know. I visited public animal shelters, pet stores and breeders. I kept an open mind and an open heart, and stayed receptive to each mutt’s good qualities. I looked, listened, touched, petted and talked to the available dogs. I paid attention to how they responded to me—or didn’t.

It’s the same thing with dating. I consult with girlfriends who’ve successfully negotiated the minefield of today’s dating scene. I do my research with therapy, books, seminars and lots of practice. I put myself in social situations where I can meet great guys. I look, listen and talk to available men. Yes, sometimes I touch and nuzzle them, and even kiss and pet. But I don’t take them home… I won’t do that until I’m sure I’ve found the one who’s right for me.

Finding the right one is not the end… it’s just the beginning.
The first few months of new dog ownership were an adjustment—not for the dog, but for me. One day, I was complaining to a friend. “I think I made a mistake,” I said. “Yes, the dog is affectionate, loving, fuzzy and warm, and she makes me laugh. But jeez… she interrupts my work, she needs attention, she’s full of energy and bounces around the house when I’m trying to write. And she’s just here all the time!”

My friend burst out laughing. “Sounds just like a husband to me,” she said. “That dog is training you to have a husband!” After a moment of stunned silence, I laughed too.

It took six months to fully adjust to having this dog in my home and in my life. Now I’m ready to make the bigger adjustment of bringing a man into my life. I just wish there were city shelters and humane societies where men were organized by size and breed, their vital information posted on little 3x5 cards on their cage doors. That would be so much easier than all this dating!