A series that will question whether or not you’re ready to become a dog owner
I’m that overly obsessive mom that posts pictures of her kids nonstop. The only difference is that my kids are furry and have four legs. As a proud dog mom of two Golden Retrievers, I am definitely pro-dog. I want everyone to love dogs as much as I do and experience the joy of being a pet parent. I cannot stress just how much happiness and joy these animals bring to my life, and the love I feel for them in my heart.
That being said, raising a dog isn’t all butterflies and rainbows. While I believe owning a dog can be a really great experience, it is a long-term decision that requires commitment and responsibility. It’s definitely not an easy task and will impact your life in more ways than you can imagine. There are many things to consider before you make the final decision to bring a furry friend in to your life and since I have some experience in the area, I want you to know what you’re getting yourself into. In this series, I will share an important list of considerations that every future dog owner should become familiar with. The first and most obvious, but often overlooked, consideration is:
#1 Do You Even Like Dogs, Bro?
Sure, puppies are cute and fluffy and photogenic. It’s fun to hold them, cuddle with them, and post adorable Instagram stories of them. At first, they’re a novelty. But when the newness and excitement disappears and this puppy becomes a dog, which then becomes a full-time responsibility, the real-life experience may not be so cute. Do you like cleaning pee off the floor? Picking up poop in the backyard? Waking up in the middle of the night to let your puppy out to the bathroom? Vacuuming dog hair off of the carpet? All of this is extremely unideal, but it is all part of the experience.
It’s also important to realize that puppies aren’t puppies for long. Dogs mature relatively quickly and their demeanor, physical abilities and looks will change too. As they get older, grayer, slower, and less active, the fun you experienced early on won’t be the same. Will love them when they can’t make it to the bathroom outside, or can’t hear you calling their name?
When you become a dog owner, you agree to love and care for your dog throughout the course of his/her lifetime, even when it’s no longer fun for you. Are you ready for that kind of commitment?
Either you’re ready to take the good with the bad, or you’re not ready at all.
Stay tuned for the next consideration: Can You Afford a Dog? and see photos of my puppy, Cali, below!
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