October is national Adopt-A-Dog month and so I think it's only appropriate that I begin my search for a new pet this month, too.

Of course, adopting a new pet is a serious life decision, and not something to try out simply because of how a certain month is labeled on the calendar.

I have been thinking about getting a dog of my own for a while, and now that I am settled in the area, I've decided I can begin a search for a permanent pet.

I grew up with dogs and cats and have always loved the companionship and loyalty that a pet offers. Plus, they are always sure to keep you entertained.

But I still have a lot to consider. What breed is best? A puppy or an older dog? What size, shape, and personality would best fit my lifestyle and living situation?

Pawsitive Pets columnist Lezlie Crosswhite, shared with me a great website, which brings up several important things to ask when thinking about adopting a dog.

Among the many questions listed on the Your Dog's Friend website are "Why are you getting a dog?"; "How much time will the dog be alone?"; "How much time do you have to exercise a dog?"; "Can you afford a dog (supplies, food, vet bills, licensing, grooming, training, boarding or dog walking)?"; and "Do you want an enthusiastic or a laid-back dog?"

I work from home, so I would be able to walk a dog several times during the day. But I also live in an apartment, so I don't have room for anything very big. Occasionally, the little guy (or girl) would be left alone for a few hours while I cover an event or attend a meeting.

There are several options for dog adoption in our area, including dog rescue organizations, the Montgomery County Humane Society, and the wide database of adoptable dogs viewable on Petfinder.com.

Of course there are breeders as well, but when there are so many dogs desperate for a home it seems selfish to me to consider going that route. So I will be looking exclusively at shelter dogs.

Over the next few weeks I will be exploring what each place has to offer and the steps involved in bringing home a new friend.

Chris Anderson of Lizzy's Lodge, a local animal rescue that houses all it's adoptable animals in foster care around Montgomery County, gave me a great tip for choosing a new pet.

"The dog is going to pick you as his lifelong friend; you'll know when that connection happens, and all the details will fall into place," she said.

I will be reporting here as I search for that connection and on what happens after I find it.

Check back to read about my first experience exploring the adoptable animals at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter later this week.

Do you have suggestions for adopting a pet in the area? I want to hear from you, too. Email me at jillian@patch.com.