Considering adopting a dog? Well it is a 10-15 year commitment so let's think about this. Do not get me wrong I would love it if you were able to open your home to a rescue dog. I just want to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Are you prepared to take on another responsibility right now? And please do not think your teenager is going to help out. Because they are already too busy and do you even see them anymore? Having a dog is like having a toddler that never grows up. No kidding it is! Think you are going to get to sleep in on Sunday morning? HA! Want to clean up a big mess? Want to go out after work for happy hour? HA! Want to clean up a big mess? The weather is nice now but soon it will be 20 below zero. Are you still going to be taking Fido out for his daily exercise? Because if you do not he will tear up that brand new sofa you spent your tax return on. And can you really afford more medical bills? Just the yearly exam is $200+. And after eating your sofa, surgery could be required to remove swallowed stuffing. Ca-ching again! Oh the fun does not stop there. You are invited up to a friend's cabin for the weekend last minute. No dogs allowed. What now? You have finally been given permission to work out of your home office. FYI-phone calls are a definite signal to your dog that he MUST start barking at the wind, digging a major hole in your garden, or throwing up on that replacement sofa.
OK you stayed with me this far. So you are either a glutton for punishment or you are sincerely ready to add the most adoring member of your family. Adopting a rescue dog will be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. That dog will love you unconditionally everyday to his last breath. And the joy he will bring you will lift your spirits and enhance your life beyond your dreams. Yes your life will be changed but in a minute you will not be able to remember what your life was like before you had a dog. And you will wonder why you did not adopt sooner. Adopting a dog is a 10-15 year commitment. And that is just way too short a time to spend with the best friend you will ever have.
Considering adopting a dog? Well it is a 10-15 year commitment so let's think about this. Do not get me wrong I would love it if you were able to open your home to a rescue dog. I just want to make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Are you prepared to take on another responsibility right now? And please do not think your teenager is going to help out. Because they are already too busy and do you even see them anymore? Having a dog is like having a toddler that never grows up. No kidding it is! Think you are going to get to sleep in on Sunday morning? HA! Want to clean up a big mess? Want to go out after work for happy hour? HA! Want to clean up a big mess? The weather is nice now but soon it will be 20 below zero. Are you still going to be taking Fido out for his daily exercise? Because if you do not he will tear up that brand new sofa you spent your tax return on. And can you really afford more medical bills? Just the yearly exam is $200+. And after eating your sofa, surgery could be required to remove swallowed stuffing. Ca-ching again! Oh the fun does not stop there. You are invited up to a friend's cabin for the weekend last minute. No dogs allowed. What now? You have finally been given permission to work out of your home office. FYI-phone calls are a definite signal to your dog that he MUST start barking at the wind, digging a major hole in your garden, or throwing up on that replacement sofa.
OK you stayed with me this far. So you are either a glutton for punishment or you are sincerely ready to add the most adoring member of your family. Adopting a rescue dog will be one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. That dog will love you unconditionally everyday to his last breath. And the joy he will bring you will lift your spirits and enhance your life beyond your dreams. Yes your life will be changed but in a minute you will not be able to remember what your life was like before you had a dog. And you will wonder why you did not adopt sooner. Adopting a dog is a 10-15 year commitment. And that is just way too short a time to spend with the best friend you will ever have.
Laura, you have hit the nail on the head!! It IS a major commitment, and even with a dog like Mister who has done everything you describe in your blog ... I wouldn't trade him for the world :) Thank God when he got to a razor blade he was smart enough to not chew/swallow the actual razor. And yes, what is it about the need to bark as soon as you get on a work conference call!! Thanks for writing such a great post on the realities of adopting a dog! It is without a doubt, worth it!! It has taught me to have a great sense of humor and to not be so attached to material things :)
ReplyDeleteGood info Laura! Glad to see you doing doggie boarding. I bet it was one of those "why didn't I think of this sooner" things. Are you on twitter? I have found tons of great dog related links
ReplyDeleteThanks Marilou for all your help.
ReplyDeleteHey Mary. It was not an instant decision to hang up the art fair tent and start a dog boarding biz. But I am glad I did. And no Twitter is still kind of a mystery to me. it took me a while just to get on Facebook. Baby steps.
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