They do grow up so fast….and I’m not talking about children. Or at least not the ones that stand on 2 feet. I’m talking about your pets. They grow from adorable puppies (or kittens, or whatever the baby term is for your particular pet) into adults. Some people are prepared for this journey, others are not. This is the time of year that people will be buying pets as gifts for the holidays. Please research and know what you are getting into before doing so!
Shelters are full for many reasons. Don’t let the reason be that you didn’t do your homework and fully prepare yourself for the commitment that is being a pet owner. Are you prepared for the time commitment? Are you prepared financially for the added cost? Does this pet fit into your current lifestyle?
Here are some things to consider:
When you get a puppy, you need to understand that it will eventually grow into an adult dog, and you must be prepared to continue caring for it throughout its life, which includes providing proper food, exercise, training, veterinary care, and a loving environment, as a pet is a long-term commitment and not just a cute little puppy for a short time.
Key points about this statement:
Consider your lifestyle:Before getting a puppy, assess whether you have the time, space, and resources to care for a dog throughout its life.
Responsibility beyond cuteness:Puppies are adorable, but they require consistent training, attention, and care even as they mature into adult dogs.
Commitment for life:Owning a dog means being responsible for its well-being for its entire lifespan, which can be many years.
Training is crucial:Early socialization and training are essential for a well-adjusted adult dog.
When we adopted Deke 4 years ago, he was indeed an adorable puppy. We all fell in love with him right away. But we also made sure he was trained, socialized, properly cared for, etc. I did my research for months before I brought him home so we were prepared. For a first dog, a Goldendoodle was a great choice for us and we wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m glad I didn’t decide on a Portuguese Water Dog as a first dog because Delaney and that breed is a totally different situation! I’ll go into that on another post but not today.
I can’t resist posting some Deke puppy pictures because he was truly adorable. He’s still is in my opinion. The first picture is the first I ever took of him when I got him in the car to bring him home.
If anyone wants to post their pet baby pictures in the comments section, please do!!
