Got credentials?
Dear Fisher,
I just found out my folks are moving to the Tampa Bay area. We already live in Florida so that won’t be so different, but there’s lots of talk around the house about “getting me in”. I’m in “best behavior, totally obedient, definitely praiseworthy, best friend you will ever have” mode because they look at the paper, then look at me, then back to the paper again, and then that little sigh that gives me the creeps.
I’m pretty sure they’ll take me with them, but there is talk about a DIET. Boxes are lining the walls and I’m starting to get nervous. Surely I get to move to the new place too? What can you tell me that will calm my nerves?
Carter
Dear Carter,
Calm down and stay in the “mode”! Expect everything to turn out in your favor. Believe that you are one of the lucky ones. That has always worked for me. But, according to the Humane Society of the United States, “moving” and “landlord won’t allow” are among the top reasons given by pet owners when relinquishing their dogs or cats to animal shelters. If more rental housing permitted pets, millions of dogs and cats could be placed in homes—or stay in their homes when their caregivers move.
Do not panic. That information need not apply to you! There are a lot of forces out there preparing the way for pet owners to move about the country and take their pets with them. After all, you are family and they love you. The HSUS has a list of 13 steps (that would be “lucky 13” to you) steps to finding animal friendly housing. For instance, don’t waste time if a complex or condo association is inflexible about accepting pets. Who needs them? Take the time to search out places are pet-friendly. The trend is in our favor!
Be totally honest – if you weigh 75 pounds, don’t try to pass for 45. Humans seem to be able to do that – pets cannot. Check out HSUS.
While your humans are looking for location, location, location, get them to start thinking about promotion, promotion, promotion. I recently heard that some pet people are putting together resumes for their pets. Of course, non-pet owners might think this is a little over the edge, but remember, that is the kind of thinking that makes pet people so special. And, hey, it can be fun!
Start with a few general rules, like no more than 2 pages. Your resume should include all your best assets, personality traits, and any special training you have had. Just be honest. If you say you don’t bark, remember to not bark for the duration of the lease. Can you? If not, don’t write it in. The diet thing is good if you are overweight anyway, but remember your can’t stuff a big boulder into a small jewelry box. Most rentals have weight restrictions. If renting a house rather than an apartment, your resume can convince the new landlord to wave the weight restriction if there is a nice yard for you and if everything else on your resume checks out perfectly. Apartments and condos set their weight restrictions at 35 to 50 pounds.
Start at the top with Goals and Objectives. For example: My goal is to continue living with my people who love me so-o-o much (a little heart-wrenching), and to live in such a fine establishment as yours, (well, you know), in peace and harmony with other residents and their pets (a real team player). Then go into your past experiences. How did you deal with unruly neighbor pets, what is it that makes you an outstanding resident, and throw in the name and phone number of your current landlord to use as Reference #1. Looking good!
Have you been to obedience school, and if not, why you did not have to. Are you pedigreed or were you adopted from a shelter, where of course you had good training in dormitory life and a big dose of getting along with others. Do you have yearly check-ups and is your health in tip-top shape. You might want to include Reference #2 from your vet, with his/her statement of up to date shots and all that. It is also important to state how your people treat you. Your personality and behavior is based a lot on that. Are you well loved and cared for. What are your habits regarding cleanliness and what do your people do to assist you in that. Describe your pooper scooper. Forego the “cute” and keep it business-like.
Finally, there is an excellent resource for pet-loving apartment hunters on the internet. You can visit People with Pets and choose your state and city to find local opportunities. As I said earlier, the odds are on our side! Looking forward to having you join us over here in Tampa Bay!
Your friend,
Fisher
published in tbt* Tampa Bay
