There is nothing like coming home from a hard day at work to a cute, fury, wigging butt, happy to see you, dog.
And while having dog means endless love and companionship, it also means endless responsibility, here are three things to consider before adopting a furry friend from the deputy director of Homeward Trails Animal Rescue Rebecca Goodhart:
1. Patience
Do you have the time and patience to train a new animal? Potty training and manners might be something you even need to teach an older dog. If you’re adopting a puppy definitely be ready for training, Goodhart says it's a good investment for you and the dog.
2. Commitment
Pets are a financial and time commitment. Goodhart says remember you’re committing yourself to being an animals caregiver, they need you!
3. Know your breed
While many shelter dogs are mix breeds learn what you can about an animal you’re thinking of adopting. How much exercise will they need? A yorkie mix will have very different exercise needs than a hound mix. Goodhart says ask yourself, if you don’t have a fenced in backyard are you willing to walk the pet 2-4 times a day? These types of questions can help you determine which breed is the best fit for you and your lifestyle.
