Is Getting A Dog Really In The Cards For You?

I’m a sucker for dogs. As a child growing up on the twin-island of Trinidad and Tobago, I always had a four-legged friend or two by my side. They always seemed to fit right into my family and our way of life, and I just can’t imagine what my childhood would have been like if they were not around. Naturally, once I started my own family, I started thinking about getting a dog. It remained just a thought for many years before we took the plunge. There was one main reason for that. We had moved to another country, the USA, and were living with my in-laws who were not big fans of pets. Those were difficult years for me because I was living in a new environment and I didn’t have a furry friend to help make it all better. I would have loved to see my kids in their early years with a pet but getting a dog wasn’t going to happen just yet. Years later, when we finally moved into our own home, I believed the time had come to pursue welcoming a dog into our family. My husband had no experience with family pets. Having dogs where I grew up was a different experience altogether. Firstly, all of our dogs lived outdoors. They never had to be taken out to be potty trained since they spent all of their time outside. They never went on walks because our yard was their playground. My parents would make dinner for the family along with a special pot of food just for the dogs. Dog food was insanely expensive and not readily available, so cooking for the dogs was the best option. I knew that getting a dog for our family would be a very different experience than what I was used to but I was willing to learn. It was 2012 when we got our first dog, Zoey the Chiweenie (a Chihuahua and Dachshund mix).

In 2016, we got our 2nd dog, Izzy the Chiweenie.

In 2019, we welcomed our 3rd dog, Miko into the family. He is a Chin-wa, a mix of Chihuahua and Japanese Chin.

As I said, I’m a sucker for dogs, I always have been. All logic goes out the window when I see cute puppy eyes looking into mine. Is this really a great approach to things? No! I have 3 dogs! By the time we brought Miko into the fold, I was seriously questioning our decision making. Honestly, we should have stopped at 2 but it is what it is. Miko has nuzzled his way into our hearts and lives and there is no turning back now.

So you’re thinking of getting a dog. What questions should you be asking yourself?

1. Do you even like dogs?

Getting a dog is a big decision. You are welcoming this animal into your hearts and your home. You’ll have a new member of your family. It will follow you around the house. It will constantly try to get your attention. It may chew on your things. It will need to be cared for when you go on trips. Are you ready for that? I have heard friends who have no kids say that they love kids but they are happy to play with them and return them to their parents when they are done. Do you feel that way about dogs? Are you the type of person who loves playing with them but would rather someone else shoulder the responsibilities of caring for them? If you answered yes to that question, getting a dog may not be the right decision for you. Sure, you may like dogs but you don’t want to be responsible for them. Don’t worry, that’s okay. You are not flawed. Kudos to you for knowing exactly what you want and what is right for you.

2. Need versus want

This may sound silly because most people get a dog because they want one not because they need one. As I mentioned, we have 3 dogs, Zoey, Izzy, and Miko. When we got Miko we didn’t assess the situation the right way. Our hearts got in the way of our decision making. We love him like crazy now but did we need him? No. We saw him, fell in love and the rest is history.

3. Who will be responsible for taking care of your dog?

You’ll be picking up poop in a plastic bag. If you don’t see yourself doing that, is there someone else in the house who will? If there are no takers before you bring your furry friend home, you may need to reconsider because I hate to break it to you, dogs poop. Bottom line is, someone is going to need to assume responsibility for your dog or you can share the responsibilities. These include cleaning up potty accidents, potty training, walks, grooming, trips to the vet, and feeding. Oh, and picking up after your dog is a thing too if they love toys.

4. Can you afford a dog?

Having a dog is like having another child. You love them but you also need to provide them with the things they need. If you’re in a tough spot financially right now, I would strongly suggest waiting until you can afford a dog. Expenses include; veterinary care, dog food, a collar, and a leash. These are the things your dog must-have. Other expenses include grooming, a dog bed, a crate, waste bags, toys, and clothes. These can be provided without impacting your wallet with a little creativity with items you already have, patience, and a do-it-yourself attitude.

5. Do you have space to keep a dog?

You’ll have to consider the size of the dog that you want here. For me, I have 3 dogs but they are all small breeds so physical space is not an issue. Do you have somewhere in your home that you can turn into a space for your dog? Specifically, if you are investing in a dog crate, will it fit in the space that you have chosen?

6. Boy or girl?

Zoey and Izzy, our female dogs, have both been spayed. We are in the process of investigating whether it is safe for Miko to be neutered. In the meantime, I am losing my mind. Miko is constantly trying to mark his territory and I am constantly shampooing my carpet. He is also the only one of our dogs that tries to bolt once the door is opened as he has the urge to roam and find a mate. If Miko cannot undergo the surgery, we will have to get used to his intact male behavior but I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one! The girls, before being spayed were never difficult to manage. Hopefully, if you choose a male dog, he can safely be neutered (if you choose to go that route), to help diminish any unwanted behaviors.

Dogs are amazing pets and companions. If you are thinking of getting one for your family, make sure and ask yourself the above questions to help you decide what you should do. Then comes the fun part of searching for the perfect fit for your family if you decide that the time is right.