Is it de-ja-vu or is this a repeat? This is a repeat and I’m happy to share someone else’s thoughts although they don’t differ from an earlier post sharing 15 questions you should ask before adopting a dog or puppy. I was on Craigslist recently and saw lots of ads from people who want a puppy or a dog. What disturbed me was that they want one for free and they want the puppy right now. What really disturbed me were the number of people searching for a puppy or dog that’s a gift. With the holidays coming up, I thought we could all share some tips for others!
photo: 23am.com
Few people can say their heart does not melt at the sight of an adorable puppy, but this can often make us believe that adopting a dog is the right choice when in fact there are many things to take into consideration. If you are thinking of adopting a dog, take a moment to answer these 5 important questions before adopting a dog and then make your decision.
A dog needs plenty of space to potter around, so if you live in a small flat this may not be the right environment for a dog. Outside space is essential so if you are not in a position to offer this you should reconsider until you can.
Just because you want to bring a dog into the home doesn’t necessarily mean that others who live with you feel the same way. Take the time to talk to the household individually and see how they feel about it; adopting a dog is a big commitment so everyone needs to be on board.
Do You Work Full Time?
If you are working full time away from home, you will need to think about who will be there for your dog during the day. Dogs can suffer from loneliness and will often become destructive as a result of this, so you need to make provisions for your new family member such as coming home at lunchtime where possible or organising a dog walker to come and take them out during the day. Ultimately, if you are going to have to leave the dog all day then it is not the right time for you to take on this responsibility.
Do You Have Children?
If you have children in the home, you need to think very carefully before adopting a dog. Small children and babies will not understand the boundaries involved with having a dog which can be problematic. It’s advisable to wait until children are old enough to help with the exciting process of selecting a dog and assist with taking care of them.
Have you Considered Re-homing?
It is a sad fact that animal sanctuaries are overrun with dogs in desperate need of a loving home, so if you are thinking of adopting a dog then visiting your local shelter is strongly recommended. Nothing compares to giving an animal a chance at a happy home life and there are plenty of happy, healthy and well trained dogs ready and waiting for you to choose them. Why not start with an online search? Most shelters now share photos and information on the dogs in need of rehoming via their websites so you can get an idea of what sort of pups are available in your area.
Ultimately, if you can provide a dog with the time, space and attention it needs then you will be able to give them a wonderful life; as a reward they will fill your home with love and laughter for many years to come and be the perfect addition to your family.
Author Bio:
Sophie runs Greenkind and has adopted 2 dogs, therefore is firm supporter of adopting an animal instead of purchasing from a breeder or pet shop.
Your Turn! What tip would you recommend people consider before adopting a dog?
November 5, 2012 at 9:23 pm
Great post. It is essential to consider all the factors before adopting a new dogs or puppies. A bad decision surely the reason why there are too many dogs in dog shelters right now.
(dofollow)
We should have commitment towards our new dogs once we decide to adopt them.
Adopt a dog!
Andre Joe recently published..Thinking Of Getting A New Dog? Read This
Twitter: cepuma5
November 6, 2012 at 6:32 am
So true, so true, Andre
Thanks for stopping by!
Twitter: thefurmom
November 24, 2012 at 9:45 am
Great news! Really those information are useful before adopting a dog. And your content is fantastic. I am looking forward for the next helpful content. God bless you……
November 30, 2012 at 7:15 am
Hi There,
Thanks for your comments! As well as running Greenkind I volunteer at an animal sanctuary and see first hand the scale of the problem. Adopting a dog is the most rewarding thing!
(dofollow)
Sophie Baker-Britton recently published..I’m a Pretty Rubbish Superhero: Part One
December 11, 2012 at 11:37 am
The personality factor is huge as well. When I have provided brokering services for people in the past, a large part of the process was really getting to know them as individuals.
Personality traits play a huge role in matching the right dog with the right human. When you have the wrong mix, the results are rather frustrating. The right match yields an amazing bond and relationship between human and dog that governs all interactions and makes existing together a breeze.
As holiday season approaches I always have an ache in my belly at the thought of all the mis-matched puppies and humans that will find themselves at a crossroads in February. If only we could reach more people, I know I for one will keep trying!
Great Post! Thanks!!
KD
Twitter: KDMATHEWS1
December 11, 2012 at 6:11 pm
Me too. I had to stop going on Craiglist, because I was too tempted to send nasty emails to all the people looking for a puppy for someone’s birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift. I wish more people would think of puppies as bringing children home. I thought long and hard about children and decided not to have them – it’s a huge responsibility. So is bringing an animal into your life. It’s not the same, but still a big responsibility.
Thanks for your great thoughts.
Kimberly
Twitter: thefurmom