Wednesday, May 16, 2007 3:44 PM
Q: Is a pet a good trial to see if we're ready for a baby?
A: A pet can definitely teach responsibility and test your patience (of which you’ll need a lot with a kid). It will also give you a good sense of something that is totally and completely dependent on both of you for care.
But there’s one thing you might not have considered: When you are ready to have a baby, your little one could be allergic to your pet. If allergies run in either of your families, hold off on getting a pet until your child can be tested. Some breeders claim their dogs are low in allergens, but other reports say all animals have pet dander (even ones that don’t shed), and you will still be taking a risk. But if it’s a safe bet that your cuddly baby won’t get itchy and wheezy around fur, then by all means, try it out.