What you're getting into when you get a dog
Thursday March 31st, 2011
Liking dogs and liking having a dog are two very different things. The sad truth is that millions of pets are surrendered to shelters around the country every year; the good news is that your future family member need not be one of them.
If you're seriously thinking about getting a dog, begin the process with a real sense of all that it takes to responsibly and ethically care for one.
Ask the tough questions.
- Do you have time for a dog? Not just a few minutes to fill up his water bowl or open the back door, but time to provide the training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation he needs and deserves?
- Can you financially afford a dog?
- Will everyone in your household commit to treating your dog with love and respect?
- Are there small children in your home - or will there be in the lifetime of your dog?
- How do you really feel about fur all over the couch or a pee stain on the carpet.
Take a friend's dog for a walk.
- Better yet, take a friend's dog for a walk every day for a week. Does it become a chore or do you find yourself looking forward to it? (Of course, not every single walk will be the highlight of your day, but generally this should be something you enjoy doing.
Hang out at the dog park.
- Bring a plastic bag or two and offer to pick up a pile of poop. Seriously.
Volunteer at a shelter.
- Most local shelters desperately need dog socializers and walkers.
Foster a dog.
- What better way to gauge your dog-readiness level than to temporarily care for one who needs a home? Fostering stints can last anywhere from a few days to two months--contact a rescue group in your area for details. Many groups will allow you to "foster with intent to adopt," an excellent way to test compatibility.
Bottom line: Getting a dog is not an impulse buy--it's a commitment. Make certain you're in it for the long haul and for the right reasons. If you're not, buy a fern.
So many dogs for adoption...how one person can help
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According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), an estimated 6 to 8 million cats and dogs are taken in by shelters every year. Of those, 3 to 4 million are adopted while most of the others...
Finding the right family-friendly dog for you
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For many kids, the family dog is their best friend--a companion who teaches them about friendship, loyalty, responsibility, and empathy as well as providing unconditional love. If you treat your dog...
Thinking about getting a dog?
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It can happen to anybody. You see this great dog that's looking for a home and gives you that big-eyed look that says "pick me". Before you know it, you're buying dog food and treats at your local...
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The "financially afford" link is broken. Thanks for the article. I've been doing a lot of research on Dogtime and searchs to find the on AdoptAPet. This has to be the perfect article to fully inform me before I finally choose to get a dog. :D over 1 year ago by Anonymous |
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