Before this wonderful guest post by Nicola Reynor, let me just update you guys on Buchi and Asti. We both had them groomed, and we couldn't believe we found an amazing groomer who's cheaper than our previous one. And best of all, his local dialect is the same as ours, making communication easier than ever.
Will post pictures on our next Wordless Wednesday.
The Important Stuff You Should Know Before Getting a Pooch Home
Springer Spaniel Puppy age 7 weeks by Tony Harrison, CC BY-SA 2.0 |
Welcoming a new puppy into the house can be a very joyous moment. The idea of sharing the living space with a four-legged friend is exciting for young and old alike. Pets need a lot of time and patience. If one is not willing or able to give a pet the required attention, things can get a lot less exciting for both the owner and the pet.
Here are some things you should consider before you bring home a furry pal.
Where to Get a Pet From?
The best place to turn to would be an animal shelter. Animal shelters or rescue groups have several purebred or mixed-breed dogs and pups. Around 4 million of these unwanted animals are euthanized each year mostly because they didn't have a loving home to stay in.
By adopting a pet from such a place, you can do your bit in solving the pet overpopulation problem. People who choose to adopt pets save around 20,000 lives each year!
Up for Adoption by Kimco Realty, CC BY-ND 4.0 |
By adopting a pet, you aren't just doing your bit to make the world a better place. You will be surprised to know that though animals in pet shops and online pet stores look robust, they may actually have health problems, may develop them later on in life, or may have behavioral problems. This is because these animals are born into puppy mills.
A puppy mill is a large-scale breeding operation that puts profit before the welfare of animals. Animals are bred until they are of no further use and then put down. Moreover, animals are kept confined in small places and not treated well.
"I Love NYC Pets" month by Patrick Kwan, CC-BY-2.0 |
By adopting a pet from a rescue group, you can be sure of getting a healthy pup or a dog that was bred or raised by a responsible person. A pet at a rescue group will also be up-to-date on vaccinations.
Why Do You Want a Pup?
Are you keen on getting that pup just because you fell for its beautiful eyes? Perhaps your kids have been pestering you to get a pup for them. Adopting a pup means having to make a long-term commitment of at least 15 years to it. You will have to care for it, spend money on it, and give your time to it.
Puppy Love by smlp.co.uk, CC-BY-2.0 |
As children grow, their schedules will keep on changing and it may not be easy for them to care for the dog. They may even grow out of the excitement of owning a pet. If your kids aren't old enough to understand the dedication a pet will need, wait for them to grow up.
Bring a pet home only if you and your family members fully understand the responsibilities that you'll have to share. Most pups and dogs end up at dog shelters because their owners didn’t assess the important things before adopting or buying pets.
Is the Pet Suited to Your Lifestyle?
You need to consider if the breed or the age of the pup/dog that you're adopting the right one for you. Don't buy a particular breed just because you have always wanted it. Avoid adopting a younger dog if you know you can’t walk or move around a lot. All dogs have specific needs and you'll need to decide how much time you will be able to spend with your dog before adopting it.
Some breeds, and pups and younger dogs in particular, require more exercise and training. Older dogs will be better off with people living a more or less sedentary life. An older dog may not like it if there are inquisitive kids around nor will kids looking for an active companion be in awe of the new member.
this one tugs at me by jeffreyw, CC-BY-2.0 |
Furthermore, walking into an animal shelter may overwhelm you. Don’t let your emotions get the better of you. If you bring home a pup or a dog just because you felt pity for it, you won’t be happy living with the pet.
Are You Financially Secure for the Pet?
Owning a pet will come with its share of financial burdens too. Your dog will need to be fed nutritious food and special treats. You will have to buy dog accessories and toys for your pooch as well. Think of all the things you might have to purchase to train your pup. If you leave the training to professionals, they’ll charge a fee too.
SETAF HISTORICAL IMAGE ARCHIVE by US Army Africa, CC-BY-2.0 |
It is necessary to groom dogs regularly so if you don’t take the time out of your schedule to groom your pet, you’ll have to spend money for the same. Dogs get sick just like we do. Moreover, they age a lot faster than we do. Regular health check-ups, medicines, vaccinations and more await you.
Conclusion
Dogs can be the best companions. Caring for a dog can be a rewarding experience irrespective of its age or breed. However, before bringing home a pooch, consider the important stuff carefully. A wrong decision will not only disrupt your life but will greatly impact that of your pet too.
The right pooch will certainly fill your life and home with much happiness. In a few weeks of welcoming your dog home, you will have found a new friend and a loyal companion.
If you’re unsure about anything, you can consider fostering a dog before you adopt one. By providing a foster home to a dog, you can see how your life will revolve around having a pet. You will also be able to accurately note how much time you will be able to devote to a pet. With any luck, your foster pet might be the perfect one for you!
Very valid points and although pets are so rewarding they do take time and effort and therefore one should consider carefully is one can commit. Have a fabulous Friday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
If only people would THINK before taking home a cute puppy.
ReplyDeleteThis is very important stuff to read,, I about fainted seeing that doggy in surgerys!
ReplyDeletelove
tweedles
Oh, wow! Pet adoption is the best! Hoomins do need to think carefully and only do it if they have time, but if they do, it is very fun. Thank you. :)
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