It’s just another Saturday when I run out to my local pet supply store to pick up some goodies for Chloe, my beloved Lab mix. Out of the blue, we see dozens of wagging tails and pleading eyes. It’s Adoption Day! Suddenly, my dog and I are meeting all the adoptable dogs and I’m getting attached. There’s always at least one that seems to pick me out, and I start thinking I’ll take him home. Soon, reality sets in and I realize I had not even considered getting a new dog until I got here.

If you love dogs as much as me, you may have found yourself in this predicament. The important thing to remember is that a dog is a lifelong commitment and choosing one should not be entered into lightly. Considering whether or not you are ready to provide the very basic needs of a new dog – or multiple dogs – is the first step. Next, you can consider specifics like age, size and breed. Once you have a better idea of the type of dog that fits your lifestyle, you can start to visit shelters, breeders or adoption groups until you find the right one. Have you been faced with this dilemma? How did it turn out?

Photo © 2008 Jenna Stregowski