I’m always a little torn because I believe there are so many dogs desperately needing homes, yet I do appreciate the beauty of so many dogs, both purebreds and mixed breeds. I’ve had both. I remind myself that purebreds have characteristics particular to each breed and when learning about and knowing your mixed breed dog, it is fascinating and often important to know the various traits of your dog’s make-up to best understand your dog. It is also vitally important before getting a dog that you research breeds and understand temperaments, physical needs, and general dispositions inherent to different breeds. If you’re looking for a mellow couch potato to cuddle with all the time, you need to know to not get a Malinois or Husky. By not understanding responsibilities and requirements for exercise, mental stimulation, socialization, space needs (apartment or city or yard), potential health issues, etc, you are setting yourself up AND the dog for what could mean surrendering the dog therefore abandoning them. Please do your homework! Remember too that dogs are expensive. They do require regular and unexpected vet visits and food and treats and toys and sometimes meds…and, pet sitters when you travel or dog walkers when you’re away for long stretches during the day. Plus, there are unexpected things that come up. Maybe you need fencing, or an electric fence, and you’ll most certainly need tick and flea protection (my personal recommendation is Seresto collars which are pricey but last a long while and work—I’m not getting paid to promote them lol).
Please also don’t give kids the ultimatum that you’ll get them a dog with condition THEY feed and walk the dog. Yes, make sure they understand the responsibility involved and have them take part, BUT make sure YOU are ready to take on all of this yourself and that you yourself want a dog…then the outcome will be most gratifying and rewarding for all.🥰
AND, please don’t surprise people with pets as a gift when the recipient hasn’t taken part in this decision! Imagine showing up at someone’s door handing over a gift of a living being that yes, is going to become the recipient’s new FAMILY member! Pets are not novelties! They have feelings and souls. They provide unconditional love and comfort and companionship and endless entertainment. Be sure you will reciprocate in kind🥰
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