Paws and Reflect: Considerations Before a Lifetime with a Pup
(Part 1 of our “12 Pups Prancing: A Canine Christmas Countdown” Blog Series)
'Tis the season to be jolly, and what could be jollier than surprising your loved ones with a puppy under the Christmas tree? But hold onto your sleigh bells, folks, because getting a puppy is more than just a festive fling—it's a lifetime commitment that rivals the durability of fruitcake.
Doggone Social Creatures
Dogs are the ultimate party animals. They thrive on companionship, love a good belly rub, and have a knack for making your house feel like the hottest spot in town. But here's the catch: they're not into one-night stands. Because in the world of canine companionship, dogs need commitment, routine, and a solid relationship status on Facebook. Without this, dogs can become anxious or develop behavioral issues.
The Price of Puppy Love
Picture this: you find the perfect pup, eyes shining like they just discovered the meaning of life. You bring them home, and suddenly your wallet starts whimpering louder than a teething terrier. When you factor in vet bills, grooming, cost of food and toys, training, and daycare/dog walking services, the average cost of owning a dog is between $4500-$7000 a YEAR causing many owners financial stress. Keep in mind the heavy upfront costs of buying a puppy such as all the equipment you’ll need to buy, and the initial vet visits and vaccinations your pup will need. The cost of puppy love can make your credit card cry more than a Hallmark movie marathon. (Source: https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/pet-insurance/how-much-does-a-dog-cost-per-year/)
Puppy Parenthood: A Comedy of Chewed Shoes and Carpet Capers
Now, let's talk about the frustrations of puppyhood. It's a rollercoaster ride of laughter, love, and the occasional landmine left on the living room floor. Forget about a pristine carpet—puppies see it as a blank canvas for their slobber-soaked masterpieces and shredded paper. And the chewed-up shoes? It's like having a furry, four-legged termite with a taste for expensive leather.
But fear not, brave puppy parent! With a dash of patience, a sprinkle of positive reinforcement training, and a whole lot of cleaning supplies, you'll survive the puppy years and come out the other side.
No Impulse Purchases, Please!
We train dogs to have impulse control, so it’s only fair that you should have some too! Buying a puppy on a whim, especially during the holiday season, is like picking out a spouse based on their taste in wrapping paper. It might look good on the surface, but the real magic happens when you unwrap the layers and commit to a lifetime together. You’ll want, no, NEED to do plenty of research on breeds to make sure you are getting a dog that will fit into your lifestyle. (Stay tuned for an upcoming blog post specifically addressing this topic!)
Buying vs. Adopting Considerations
For those eager to embark on the enchanting journey of dog ownership, weigh the pros and cons of adopting versus buying from a breeder or pet store. Opting to buy from a reputable breeder can provide you with some predictability in terms of a puppy's breed, lineage, and potential traits. On the other hand, adopting from rescues and humane societies allows you to give a loving home to puppies in need, providing a second chance and reducing the population of animals in shelters. (Guess what? I’ll have a blog post in the future related to this as well.)
So, as you plan your holiday surprises, remember that getting a puppy is a decision that lasts longer than a fruitcake's shelf life. Embrace the mess, laugh in the face of chewed-up slippers, and consider adopting from a local rescue. Because the real gift of puppy love isn't just for Christmas—it's a lifelong present that keeps on giving, slobber and all.
