| Those big brown puppy eyes staring at you can | | | | cost you money. |
| surely melt your heart. You cannot help but want to | | | | 5. Home for your dog. Some communities do not |
| take him home with you. It does not take a lot of | | | | allow residents to own a dog, more so if you are |
| effort to convince us to adopt a dog, because they | | | | staying in an apartment. And even if your place |
| are such adorable pets- loyal, fun, and lovable. | | | | allows dogs, do you have enough room for him? |
| However, before you decide on this, make sure to | | | | Small dogs require large spaces because they are |
| consider the following: | | | | very active and cannot be confined in a small area, |
| First of all, you need to understand that adopting a | | | | while large dogs can stay in compact rooms because |
| dog is a long-term commitment. A dog's life span is | | | | they can just lie down on the floor all day. |
| about nine to fifteen years. Additionally, it will also | | | | 6. Substitute caregivers. If you go on vacation, who |
| cost you time and money, and though having a pet is | | | | will take care of your dog? You should make sure |
| extremely rewarding, it is not something to be | | | | somebody will be able to feed and care for him |
| considered lightly. | | | | when you are away. |
| 1. Reason for adopting a dog. Ask yourself, why do | | | | 7. Lifetime commitment. As mentioned earlier, dogs |
| you want a dog? Do you want companionship? Do | | | | can live nine to fifteen years, depending on his breed. |
| you want a pet to play with your kids? Or do you | | | | Are you ready to care for him for that long? If your |
| want a dog to guard your house when you are | | | | answer is a yes, then by all means, adopt a dog. But |
| away? | | | | if you are not sure of this commitment, then it is |
| 2. Time you can spare. If you have not realized it | | | | best you think it over and over again before making |
| yet, dogs, just like us, need to be spent time with. | | | | a decision. |
| You have to feed, bathe, exercise, and train your | | | | Many dog owners end up leaving their dogs in |
| dog. There is no such thing as a 'day off' when it | | | | shelters because they realized too late that they |
| comes to caring for your dogs. | | | | could not really care for them. Another reason is the |
| 3. Budget. Costs will include: training classes, vet care, | | | | irresponsible breeding of dogs and being unable to |
| toys, grooming, licenses, neutering and spaying, | | | | manage it later on. |
| vaccinations, and food. | | | | Just bear in mind that adopting a dog is not an easy |
| 4. Dealing with problems. Dogs can get sick, suffer | | | | feat. Rewarding, yes, but it requires time, |
| from flea infestations, become injured, and many | | | | responsibility, money, and a lot of love on your part. |
| other things that will require treatment. These will | | | | Make sure you are ready for such a commitment. |