It's a rare kid who doesn't melt at the sight of a puppy. It's a rare adult, too! But the reality of being a responsible pet owner, day in and day out, is often very different from the fantasy of having a family dog. Animal trainer and Marin Humane Society Adoption Counselor Karen Schuerholz firmly believes that growing up with a dog is a "fabulous experience for kids. It teaches them life lessons." But it's not a good fit for everyone. Annie talks with Karen about how parents can determine when and if it's the right time to bring a dog into your pack. About Karen Schuerholz Karen Schuerholz has been an animal lover since childhood. Formerly in Advertising Sales, Karen moved to California 20 years ago with her son Matthew and her first dog Oscar. This 125 lb. Chocolate Lab mix would shape her future as an animal enthusiast. When he passed in 1998, she started volunteering at the MHS as an Adoption Counselor and quickly realized that a career in animal care would be in her future. Karen is a graduate of the MHS Canine Behavior Academy Levels I and II. She continues to work as an Adoption Counselor at MHS and trains new volunteers in the program. Her philosophy is that dog training can be fun! The key ingredient to having and raising pets is patience and knowing that they will tell you what they want—you just have to pay attention to how they tell you. Learn more about pet adoption at http://MarinHumaneSociety.org Copyright © 2009-2018 Annie Fox and Electric Eggplant. All Rights Reserved.