Are You Ready to Get A Dog?
I'm sure you've been here -- an adorable dog or puppy is up for adoption. He gazes at you with big loving eyes. Why not take him home, you think. As for me, if I did this to every adorable critter I saw, I'd be up to my ears in fur! I have plenty of critters now -- one more would be too many. But it is so hard to say no when you love animals and want to give them all homes. However, it is better to say no now than to adopt a dog you cannot keep!
A large percentage of dogs are returned or abandoned each year because their owners did not realize what they were getting themselves into. Another large percentage are stuck in homes where they do not get the attention and exercise needed to thrive. Before you get a dog, there are many important considerations. Make sure you are ready first! When the timing is right, you can share your life with that priceless canine companion.
Photo Matt Cardy / Stringer / Getty Images
Comments
This article is so very true. I was an adoption counselor at our local humane society. We had so many dogs and puppies that we had to turn away some people(which broke my heart). We are a “NO KILL” humane society. Which means an animal accepted by us is kept there and taken care of medically and humanely until we find a “forever home” for it. That doesn’t make much room for new animals. However all of the animals do get a wonderful home in the end.
Please spay and neuter your animals.
I had a adopted dog for 14 years and I loved her when she would snuggel up tp me even when I wanted to be alone, SHE always got me into a good mood and before I new it I was playing with her and evrything was ok again, But I had to put her down because she lost the use of her legs !I have not cryed so much in forty years! I hope In time I will get another one but I will love her that pass on!!!!! My wife and I loved her dearly and some times when no one is aroud I tear up still.
It is very sad that every year a lot of small dogs are abandoned or returned because their owners did not know what they were getting themselves into.
We had lost our dog of 13 years recently and we are struggling to adopt another.I find the day long without him around but I do not want to rush in to quickly but I keep checking our shelters.I had sponsor a shelter dog in his name.I hope there will be a day when we are comfortable and ready to adopt again.