Book excerpt: You must have commitment, unconditional love, and loyalty when taking the leap to canine adoption. When you adopt an animal, you become their sole provider. In Jump-Start Your Canine Care, author V. Nunley provides a guide to help dog lovers move in a more liberal and positive direction in regard to companion animals treatment and care. Focusing on a shift from mere pet ownership to companionship and guardianship, Nunley explores the many issues involved in the long-term care and protection of your canine companion. Jump-Start Your Canine Care offers advice in many subject areas to include: deciding whether or not to adopt a dog; choosing between a shelter or a store; selecting the right companion animal; considering doggie daycare or a boarding kennel; picking a groomer; understanding preventive measures; handling holidays, traveling, and neighbors; making contingency plans; hound-proofi ng your home. Bringing a loyal canine companion into your home is a life-altering move, but its also one thatwith careful preparation, planning, and trainingprovides many joys and rewards. Never compromise on companion care