Not everyone should be a dog owner. As I looked into the deep brown eyes of a beautiful pup behind a large chain link fence, I could help but think what her short life is like. Endless days looking at the same scenery, waiting for the owner to get home and feed her the cheapest dry food at the market, only to repeat this day in and day out until she dies. Heartbreaking. Which leads me to beg you, ask yourself these questions before you buy or adopt your next or even your first dog.
1. Do you have space?
Dogs, while domestic, are still animals. They need the space to run and explore. A cramped one bedroom apartment in a city is not ideal. So, if you aren't willing to regularly take your fur friend to a local dog park or on long walks... please don't be selfish and stuff that pet inside day in and day out just so you can have a companion.
2. Are you committed to this?
Being a dog owner is a lot like being a parent. Hence, the nickname, fur baby. Your dog will probably live anywhere around 12 years with you. That is 12 years of buying dog food, planning trips around who can take care of him/her (if you can't bring 'em along), and 12 years of stability for this dog. This also means it will limit you on housing choices. Some places you move will not allow you to have pets. I hate seeing posts of people getting rid of their dog because their new place won't let them have them. Just don't get a dog until you are settled. That way the two of you have a buddy for life.
3. Do you have the time?
A dog is not an accessory but a living, breathing, loving animal. If you aren't planning on dedicating time to play and/or give attention to your animal, do it the favor of letting it get adopted by that family of four who take their dogs on hikes every Monday. You don't have the time. Note; walking outside when you get home from work to feed and pet the dog for 3 minutes is not the kind of time I am talking about. If you can't regularly go on adventures together... you don't have the time.
I hope that this quick note can help you really take a deep look into the decision of owning a dog. When you look into those pup eyes and have that impulsive feeling that this dog needs you, please ask yourself these questions first. There is NO SHAME in not having the time, not being able to commit, or not having the space. We are all just trying to make it by in this life. But please don't let your pet suffer because of it.
