Should You Get A Dog?

Do you want the responsibilities of a dog?

  • Time Sacrifice
  • Money Sacrifice
  • Walks
  • Exercise
  • Grooming
  • Training
  • Cleaning up after
  • Accommodating on vacations, in emergencies, etc.
  • Arrangements in the case of owner’s death

Are you prepared to address problems?

Despite all of the planning that one might do, not every dog is going to be easy to own. There are problems with dominance, fear, aggression and shyness that can make life hell for you and your dog. Are you prepared to take steps to prevent potential problems and address any that do make an appearance?

Can you afford to give a dog the best life possible?

Dogs require:

  • Regular checkups
  • Parasite prevention
  • Shots
  • Spaying/Neutering
  • Emergencies
  • Old Age
  • Euthanasia

Here’s a newsflash for all you potential dog owners out there:

IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO GIVE YOUR DOG PROPER FOOD OR MEDICAL CARE, THEN YOU CANNOT AFFORD A DOG.

Some people are under the impression that they are owed a dog or that not being prepared for bringing a helpless, dependent life into their own is okay. It is not okay. It is never okay to get a dog without having the financial wherewithal to care for it. If you don’t have enough money set aside to pay for an emergency procedure in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve, then you cannot afford to have a dog.

Are you prepared to put your own wants aside to make sure that your dog is taken care of?

I am not suggesting that you use the rent money to save your 17 year old dog from an inoperable cancer. However, you have a duty to your dog to make sure that your dog is getting the best care possible, within your means.

You should be willing to give up wants for the sake of your dog. No one sane is going to expect you to give up needs like food and shelter for your dog, but if you can give up your daily latte in order to make sure your dog gets a needed medical treatment, then the latte should go.

You must be prepared to face your dog’s death and make sure that it is ended as painlessly as possible. You may love your dog and hate death or blood or pain. That’s okay. Letting a suffering animal linger because you are selfish enough to put your own fear of death before the welfare of your pet is not.

These days, there are insurance plans for pet animals that can range from emergency expenses to full care plans. A middle-of-the-range plan costs about $40-$50 a month. Consider one of these if you are worried about having enough money on hand for a dog.

Will your dog be cared for in the event of your death or serious illness?

You should also make sure that your dog will be taken care of should you die or have a serious illness. This is not just for senior owners; anyone can die at any time and your dog needs to be taken into account in your will and other final arrangements.

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