You’ve spent months considering it and you think you’re finally ready to buy a puppy. But are you really? Have you fully thought about what it means to bring a dog into your home and make it part of your family and your daily life?
Remember, you are not buying a puppy, you are buying a dog! That furry little pup won’t stay small for long and will quickly cease to be such a cute pup. Then you have a dog, which is a commitment that lasts an average of 10 to 20 years.
Having a dog should be a lot like adopting a child. It is a very serious decision and should never be taken lightly. When you bring a puppy home, you are taking full responsibility for another life, just as you would for a child.
It will be your job to fully take care of this living being, take care of it, train it and love it. That also means that you will be responsible for any financial costs that may arise. Although veterinary costs are usually quite reasonable, with some breeds they can be significant.
Then when you have spent years getting to know your dog and he has become a beloved pet and valued member of the family, you will need to prepare to say goodbye. Although 10-20 years seems like a long time, it won’t seem long enough when your partner and friend reaches the end of their life.
You must be prepared to accept the responsibility of deciding when your beloved friend no longer has a good quality of life. Keep in mind that dogs often suffer from the same ailments as humans: cancer, arthritis, gastrointestinal problems, dementia, and incontinence.
There will come a time when your friend will have more bad days than good, and you will be forced to make the decision to euthanize your pet, the last and most loving thing you can do for him.
If you are not prepared to deal with the physical, emotional and financial commitments that your new companion will introduce into your life, then you are not ready to have a dog.
But if, after considering all the pros and cons, you’re ready to move on, sharing your life with a loving canine companion can be one of the most rewarding things you can do.