When I was a little girl I was obsessed with convincing my parents we needed a family dog. I'd spend hours working on charts, complete with graphs and photo evidence that a dog (any dog) would be an amazing addition to our family...I ended up with several goldfish, a psychotic parakeet and once I reached my teens an obese cat who spent (and still spends) most of her days in hiding.

Dogs make pretty hip accessories these days but a lot of people don't realize the huge amount of work it takes to have a happy, healthy, obedient pet. If you picture rainy nights snuggling by the fire that's awesome but you won't have those unless you walk into the rainy night so your dog can poop, and pee. I've put together a list of questions to ask yourself before you rush out to a breeder or shelter so go over these, and ask yourself:

To dog or not to dog?

Are you sure you're 100% ready for a dog?

If you have children, I'm sure you remember the first night you brought your little one home from the hospital..the crying, the sleeplessness. Now imagine that little one is furry, and barks..he doesn't need to be changed but he needs to go outside, and he needs you to take him. He's hungry, he's scared, he's lonely, he wants to be pet...I'm sure you get the jist but getting a dog is like having another baby..especially if you get a puppy! If you adopt an older dog there may be a little less crying, but the dog will still be anxious in a new home...you are their master, you need to feed them, love them, groom them, exercise them, and discipline just like you would a child, so they can be the perfect pet.

Do you want to adopt, or purchase from a breeder?

This is a huge question for prospective dog owners to consider: Where is your pet coming from? The pet shop in the mall might have a slew of adorable thousand dollar puppies but remember if you buy one, you are supporting puppy mills and that's not cool. There are a tons of dogs in shelters that need forever homes, and a lot of reputable breeders that breed puppies with specific character traits you may be looking for. If you decide to adopt from a shelter remember that the dog IS there for a reason; most dogs in shelters are between one and three years old, this is the age they stop being cute puppies, and start being active young dogs. Do you have the patience and time to dedicate to one of these animals?

Can you provide adequate shelter for your new dog?

I'm assuming if you are reading this, you aren't homeless and you have a place for the dog to live...but is it the right place? If you want a huge dog, but live in a tiny apartment...is that fair? If you are gone 8-10 hours a day and you want your puppy to sit alone in a crate, is that fair? I don't think so (this is only my opinion) Dogs are social creatures, and they need attention and affection... if you aren't going to provide it who will? I'd like to re-hash that if are an apartment dweller, I'm not shunning you as a prospective dog owner I'm just suggesting you look into a breed that's size appropriate and know that your will need to walk and bring your dog to the park more often that someone who has a large backyard.

Do you enjoy the following: Snow, sleet, rain, intense heat?

I don't, but regardless of weather conditions keep in mind you still need to bring your dog outside...and not just for a pee in the yard, he will need to be walked to be happy. I'm pretty content spending a rainy day in bed with a book but your dog won't be. Romps in the yard, daily walks (about four), and trips to the dog park are adamant, no matter what weather conditions are. Spring time seems like a great time to own a dog but do you want to bundle up at 10pm on a night when it's 20 degrees out to bring your pet out to use the bathroom?

Are you willing to train your pet?

Dogs (unless you are super lucky) don't come 100% potty trained and disciplined. If you want a puppy, you're going to have to spend time house training him...you will need to teach your dog to walk properly on a leash, to greet strangers, not to jump...the list is endless. Teaching the basics requires time and dedication and you may want to enroll your pet in puppy classes (which aren't cheap)..keep these things in mind!

Dogs cost money, are you able to afford proper pet care?

On a good month, you will need to buy your puppy/dog the basics: a crate, food, treats, toys, a bed, leash, collar etc...on a bad month your dog might get ill, he might eat a pound of chocolate and need his stomach pumped, he might need a round of shots. Vet care is pricey and you need to be able to foot the bill, if the time comes...dog food is pricey too if you want the good stuff (which you should) and puppies go through chew toys like crazy! If you don't see yourself spending a few hundred dollars (at least) on your pet a month you should perhaps consider getting a low maintenance pet...like a goldfish.

I think I've covered most of the “biggies” you need to consider when thinking about getting a dog. If you're still sure you can be the most awesome pet owner on the planet, go out and get yourself a new best friend, or a companion for your family. If you have the time to devote to your pet, you'll have a friend for life!