| Are your kids begging for a dog? Are you fondly | | | | - 4. Does everyone in my household want a dog? |
| dreaming of the days when you and your dog | | | | - 5. Will others help with walking, exercise, bathing |
| romped the fields, chasing balls and squirrels and | | | | and grooming? |
| flopping down together to watch the clouds to | | | | - 6. Can I afford the upkeep on a dog? |
| by? | | | | - a. Food and treats |
| Are you thinking how nice it would be to share life | | | | - b. Accessories like dishes, leashes, collars, beds, |
| with a canine, but wondering if now is really the | | | | kennels, and toys |
| right time? Dogs bring many good things to life - | | | | - c. Spay or neuter, immunizations, and annual vet |
| things like love and loyalty and trust and joy and | | | | checkups |
| laughter. But only if you have time to give them | | | | - d. Grooming, if I choose a dog who needs |
| the attention they deserve. | | | | regular haircuts |
| Before you visit the nearest shelter to adopt a | | | | - e. Veterinary care if my dog gets hurt or ill |
| dog, or follow up on a puppy ad in the local | | | | - f. A fence or dog run for when I'm not outside |
| newspaper, ask yourself these questions: | | | | with him Remember, getting a dog is a huge |
| - 1. How much time do I have to give to a dog? | | | | commitment. And if you choose a puppy it is a |
| - a. Time for long walks and potty breaks? | | | | huge test of your patience. It will be up to you to |
| - b. Time for trips to the vet or the groomer? | | | | teach your new dog proper doggie behavior - and |
| - c. Time for bathing and brushing? | | | | to clean up after him while he's learning. Once a |
| - d. Time for training - and obedience classes? | | | | dog becomes a member of your family it will be |
| - e. Time for ear scratching and tummy rubs? | | | | your responsibility to love and care for him for |
| - f. Time to do the extra house cleaning a dog | | | | the rest of his life - and that could be 12 or 15 |
| demands? | | | | years, if he stays healthy. Some dogs require |
| - 2. Is there room in my house or apartment? | | | | extra veterinary care in their senior years, and |
| And if I rent, will my landlord allow me to have a | | | | that can be expensive. Your dog will depend on |
| dog? | | | | you to provide whatever he needs - and he will |
| - 3. Do I have a big yard where my dog can run | | | | deserve no less in exchange for the love and |
| and play - and if not, is there somewhere nearby | | | | loyalty he'll give you. |
| where I can let him run? | | | | |