Pet Dog
60Is a dog right for you?
Okay, so you've decided that it's time to add a new member to your household. Maybe you're allergic to cats, are afraid of rodents, and just aren't a bird person. So maybe a dog seems like the best solution to fill up some of that lonely space in your life. Before you run out and buy the first dog that gazes up at you with those bright pleading eyes, you have to carefully think about keeping a dog long-term.
Dogs are very loyal and obedient pets, if properly trained, but they do require a lot of maintenance. If you are seriously intending on getting a dog, you have to be honest with yourself. Will you wake up early every morning to walk your new friend? How about cleaning up after him, feeding him regularly, taking him with you on your vacations or finding a reliable person to take care of him during your absences? If you are fully prepared to devote the time, love, and energy that having a dog around will require, then you're all set to go dog hunting.
Choosing the right dog for you
First of all, you need to decide where your dog or little puppy is going to come from. For specific breeds and temperament - and if money isn't much of a concern - then your best bet will be to pay a breeder a visit. For those of you on a budget, a respectable pet store ensures that the dog is kept up to date on shots and is healthy. You can also keep an eye out for friends or neighbors who have dogs with a new litter of puppies. If you have a big heart and a lot of patience, you might also want to consider adopting a dog or puppy from a shelter.
Regardless of what kind of dog you choose or where you get him from, you're bound to have an inseparable companion for many years to come.
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Comments
Hi Trish1048, I very much appreciate your dropping by. I love dogs and promise to expand this hub a little at a time. But you are right about not being able to prepare for them passing. It's a real emotional roller coaster.
your fan.
Mon.
The worst dog I ever owned came from a pet shop. He was a pure bred lab and I paid a fair amount of money for him. Then I paid another $1,000 to have a man come out to the house to try and train him. He was aggressive as all heck and nothing that we tried would change that. All the other dogs that I have had and still have, either came off the street or from rescue places. The best dog I ever owned came off the street, he was a shepherd cross. He was the nicest, gentlest, most protective dog I have ever met. He was a real joy to own and I had him for 12yrs, he passed away on my daughter's birthday the year before last. Man I loved that dog. Thanks Monitor, for the memories.
Donna
Mutts are the best!
Some might say they're ugly, but they are as sweet as can be! I often miss my Huckleberry!
I think mutts are beautiful. My dog lady who passed away two years ago was almost all Siberian Huskey, but she was part lab too. Also, her puppies Buster and Amber were very pretty and lovely dogs. Mixed bread dogs are healthy, beautiful, and active and live long lives of thirteen plus years in my experience with pets.
You're very welcome, Mon. I look forward to more of your writings :)
Patty
I agree with deanaahub. Mutts are by far the best. My first dog was a mutt. She was the smartest, most loyal dog I have ever known. My parents have since had two Tri-color Collies and one other mutt. The other is by far smarter than the two collies. Of course it depends on the breed, but mutts have a much more varied gene pool so the odds of a smart one are higher. Thanks for the hug Monitor I look forward to seeing more on this subject from you.
Very sweet hub - I love the photos. Dogs add so much to our lives. I would be lost without mine! :)
Thank you all so much for your comments. Looks like we all love dogs and Mutts have by far won the best dogs competition. I am very much encouraged to keep expanding this hub and am happy if these words are enjoyed.
your fan. (all of youTrish, Amy Jane, SweetiePie, Deanaathub, Donnaleemason)
Mon.
I adopted a Water Spaniel Which got run over by a drunk driver and died. Then I adopted a Chow mix named Coco. Who was stolen from me and pressumed dead. I had moved away from my little cursed home in New Jersey and moved into a condo in newjersye and I adopted a Rottie/Lab and a Germanshep/Rottie. Neither of them have died and it has been 12 years. Their both old but nothing bad has happened to them. My fave dog type in Rottie/Lab. I grew up with 3 of them because my dad breeded them.
Good article and thanks for mentioning adoption as an option. I have adopted several animals over the years and always felt happy that I was able to help out an animal in need of a home.
trish1048 says:
2 years ago
Hi Mon,
How I miss having a dog! My life is such that it is not an option at this point. Excellent advice. I was one who adopted from shelters, and actually found one roaming the back roads. They were all very special and very much loved. The only thing you can't prepare for is their passing, which, as we all know comes when its their time. But oh, the rewards, the companionship, unconditional love,,,there is no price tag on that.
Thanks for a very informative hub and bringing back fond memories for me :)
Patty