By SHC Mithun
Everyone can agree that dogs make us all happier. Okay, there are some out there that, for some reason, don’t like being around even the cutest of puppies, but they are few and far between. I suppose there is also a group of people around that are allergic, but even they appreciate man’s best friend like everyone else!
When it comes to actually getting a puppy for yourself, though, that when you have to think about a few things. The famous tagline is that a puppy is for life and not just for Christmas – and that couldn’t be truer. It’s so easy to impulsively want something like a cute animal friend, but it’s not just a case of buying an accessory that stays in your home and walks around with you. When you buy a dog (or any animal for that matter), they become part of the family – they become something that you pour your heart and soul into.
Let’s say you’ve decided that you want to get yourself a puppy recently. Here are a few things you must consider:
Are You Committed Enough?
As we touched on before, it’s not something that you can just buy impulsively and just throw away when you’re bored. A puppy is a real thing with feelings and lots of potential, so don’t even think about being a selfish owner. It really is like having a child – some parents don’t like their procreating efforts to be compared to owning an animal, but they are very similar. You need to have a plan ahead of you when considering getting a dog, and you need to recognize that there will be days where taking care of them will be tough. It’s all worth it in the long-term, but you need to understand that it’s over a decade of constant neediness and care!
Do You Have The Energy?
Whenever someone else’s dog comes over to your home, or you go to an owner’s house, you’ll be reinvigorated by a dog’s presence – one way or another! They get up off your feet and make you greet them – it’s a blast. Will you have that kind of energy all the time, though? Much like the previous point, you need to have the oomph to get up and walk them during the dour days. You need to have the motivation to match their levels!
How Much Do You Know About Dogs?
If you’re quite knowledgeable, then you get a pass. There are many owners out there that haven’t the faintest clue about the little boy or girl they’re about to take on. What they like, what they hate, what they’re supposed to eat, what special needs (like perhaps something here at this website) they might require. These are all important. Don’t be apathetic and cruel.
Are You In The Position To Be Able To Care?
Do you have the finances to bring a new family member home? Does your home suit a dog? And if so, will you have everything set up for them? Again, this sounds like another bombardment of questions, but they all need to be taken into account. You need to be in the right place and frame of mind yourselves before even contemplating bringing a puppy along.
