Q: Dogs that train service dogs may have slightly more stringent requirements than a regular shelter. Check the website for these requirements, or go ask in person. For instance, you may need to be 21 or older, and you might have to agree not to use the dog as a service dog. Keep in mind that many of these organizations have wait lists. You may have to wait years to get this type of dog. Begin by deciding which dog you want. Look for playful, happy gestures, such as the dog licking your hand, wagging its tail, dancing around, or bowing its head with its behind up in the air. Bring other family members to make sure the dog is a good fit. Even if it responds well to you, it might respond badly to someone of the opposite sex or to children. Most of these organizations have an application process. The application will likely you ask you about things like how you will care for the dog, whether you will be able to keep it indoors, and what other pets you have. You may also be asked to write a short answer about why you want this kind of dog. After the agency receives your application, the staff may have some more questions. You should answer these as openly and honestly as you can. For instance, if you've had multiple dogs in a short period, they may want to ask you why you went through so many dogs. They might also ask you how you plan to help the dog adjust to your home. Most of the time, you'll take the dog home for a trial period, generally a week or so. That gives you and the dog both a chance to see if the dog is a good fit in your home. Have the dog spend time with each family member individually to make sure it likes and gets along with each person. Also, slowly introduce the dog to other pets to see if they get along. Once both you and the agency are satisfied that the dog is a good fit, you can sign the adoption papers. You'll also need to pay the fee, which can run anywhere from $80 USD to $500 USD, depending on the agency. In some cases, you may need to pay the fee before taking the dog home on a trial basis.
A: Check the organization's requirements. Choose a dog that's a good fit for you. Fill out an application. Answer any questions the agency may have. Take the dog home on a trial basis. Give the dog a day or two to adjust. Sign the adoption papers and pay the fee.

Q: Your pet monkey might spend time out of his cage, but he'll need a place to stay at night and during times when you aren't available to play. A monkey's cage should be quite large, the bigger the better. Monkeys need plenty of room to run around, explore and play, especially if they're going to spend more than an hour or two at a time in the cage. If the cage is too small, the monkey will become agitated and potentially aggressive. You can purchase a monkey cage, but many owners prefer to build their own so they can customize them to their personal space. Wooden or steel poles and chain-link fencing make good materials for monkey cages. You may want to have an outdoor monkey cage as well as one indoors, or build a monkey cage attached to a heated outdoor shed that will provide shelter for the monkey. Be sure to follow your state's regulations regarding the dimensions, entryways and locks on monkey cages. In some cases the regulations differ according to what type of monkey you own. Monkeys like to climb, so provide a cage with plenty of height. Add branches, hanging ropes, and other features that will allow your monkey to climb around the cage. Most monkey owners allow their pets to spend time around the house, rather than just in their cages. Monkeys are curious, intelligent creatures that will get into everything available to them, so you'll need to take the time to remove items that could cause them harm or suffer damage. Since monkeys can climb, your monkey-proofing will have to be more extensive than baby-proofing would be. Don't let monkeys have access to anything with a cord. Make sure all electronics are out of their reach. They'll tear down curtains, knock over lamps and chew on furniture. Put away any items you aren't comfortable letting them destroy. You might want to have one or two designated "monkey rooms" that the monkeys are allowed to play in, and have the rest of the house be off-limits. Remember that monkeys can turn doorknobs and open windows, so if you're planning to let the monkey stay there unsupervised, you'll need to make sure the room is as secure as a cage would be, with locks and bars on the windows. Monkeys keep their own bodies clean, but they leave a mess wherever they go. They aren't easy to house-train, and they excrete whenever and wherever they choose. Some people put diapers on baby monkeys, but this isn't usually possible once the monkeys mature. Rather, you should plan on cleaning up after your monkey at least once a day to maintain sanitary conditions in the cage and in your home. Monkeys should always have access to fresh water that they drink from clean water bottles. You can use baby bottles for this purpose. Some monkeys may prefer to take their water from a dish, and some might like to have both options. However you administer the water, make sure there's no chance the monkey will run out. Monkey biscuits, or commercial monkey food, should be fed to your monkey every single day. These biscuits contain the right combination of vitamins and minerals to meet your monkey's needs. In addition to monkey biscuits, monkeys enjoy cut up fruit and fresh or steamed vegetables. You may also feed your monkey grasshoppers, mealworms, cooked chicken (with no spices), hard boiled eggs, yogurt, rice, grain and nuts. Do not feed your monkey anything that is considered "junk food" for a human. Sugary treats, ice cream, baked goods, snack foods, fast food, and raw meat should never be fed to a monkey. Depending on the type of monkey you have, you may also need to supplement his diet with extra vitamins. Monkeys kept inside may need extra vitamin D to account for the lack of sun exposure.
A: Build or buy a monkey cage. Monkey-proof your house. Keep the monkey's space clean. Provide clean water bottles every day. Feed him monkey biscuits, fruits and vegetables.

Q: If you have healthy family relationships, nurture them. Emotional support is especially important when you're having family problems, and often, your other family members will understand what you're going through better than anyone else. Because of their inside perspective on your situation, your other family members may have good advice for how to handle your dysfunctional relatives. If you're used to putting other people's needs and feelings first, you might not be in the habit of practicing good self-care. Work on achieving a healthy balance between fulfilling your responsibilities and taking care of your own well-being. Don't feel guilty about taking care of yourself. Remember that you're just as worthy of care as anyone else. Make your health a priority by getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising. Set aside some time every day or every week to do something you enjoy. Try appointing an accountability partner who can point out when you start putting other people's needs ahead of your own needs. Instead of suppressing your emotions, find healthy ways to acknowledge them and let them out. Try writing in a journal, venting to someone you trust, or going for a long walk. Experiencing your emotions is the only way to work through them. It's common to feel angry after living through a dysfunctional family situation, particularly if your parents were the dysfunctional ones. Keep in mind that loneliness is a common emotion for people who are going through this process, even if you are spending time with supportive friends and family. It can be sad to lose someone who was a significant figure in your life. Just keep in mind that you will begin to feel better as you continue to heal. You can't choose your family, but you can decide which friends to surround yourself with. Work on developing the positive, mutually beneficial relationships in your life. Seek out the people who make you feel loved and who are there for you when you need them. Distancing yourself from dysfunctional family members can bring up emotions that are hard to deal with alone. If you're struggling to cope, make an appointment with a counselor or therapist. Support groups can also be helpful in dealing with feelings like guilt and anger.
A:
Stay in touch with family members you get along with. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. Feel your emotions. Spend time with supportive people. Get outside help.