Human Sentenced to Up to 25 Years of Love and Affection for Adopting a Dog

Deciding to bring a dog into your life is a bit like deciding to have kids. Sure, you may not think that they will live as long as kids, and you can leave them home alone - unlike kids. But what happens when you come home from work to find your favorite silk pillows shredded to bits on the floor? Or your pup has a medical emergency and needs immediate attention? Will you be prepared to take action?

Dogs, just like humans, suffer from medical issues, behavior problems, emotional issues such as depression or aggression, and more. Because of the intensity of being responsible for another life, you must be willing to take on all of these responsibilities and more.

I recently met a breeder who has 28 small breed dogs of her own, who all live in the house with her. She cleans all of their ears twice a week, trims their nails and treats for fleas once a month, keeps them groomed and brushed, fed, bathed, and gives each one personal attention in their own special way. On the flip side, she has faced thousands of dollars in emergency medical care, and spends at least $500 a month in maintenance and care costs for basic needs. On the flip side, she has a relative who has only one dog, and keep it in a dog run 23-hours a day, allowing it to potty only twice a day, but says they could never part with the dog. I wonder if you were to ask the dog - if it would feel the same about them!?! YOU SEE THE CONTRAST? If you take on the responsibility of a pet, you are going to need to make changes, adaptions, and TIME for your pet. He or she is depending on you, and didn't choose you - you chose your pet.

Whether you are considering caring for just one single pup - or an entire pack of loving followers, you must be prepared for 10-25 years of love, care, and responsibility in your future. This does not mean to say that if you are a small income family, that you should not have the right to have a dog in your family. Sometimes a dog is a homeless man's best friend, and to break that bond would break the spirit of both the man and the dog. But in any case, you need to be willing to give the same care to your dog as you would to a human family member, even if it means hawking the wedding ring over a broken leg! Much like kids - they do not choose to be yours. They more or less wake up one day to find that you are in charge - so it's up to you to provide a safe, friendly, and healthy environment. Not only will they be happier for your choices, but you will find a great many personal rewards through the experience.