5 questions to ask before adopting a dog

Those of us who are pet lovers know the warm, fuzzy feeling when we see a puppy or kitten at play or when we observe someone walking their dog in the neighborhood. We also know the joy in our hearts when we come home from work or school and our furry friend greets us at the door with wagging tail or a “welcome home” MEOW! Many of us pet-lovers have adopted a pet or two.
 
Dog Adoption
I stopped watching Saturday morning shows years ago – but recently I started again. CBS carries a program called Lucky Dog; I began tuning in regularly after seeing a few episodes. Each week, Brandon McMillan brings a dog out of a Los Angeles animal shelter, trains it, and finds it a new home. This inspiring show and its host have won several awards, and the education provided is excellent.
 
October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month. Every year, nearly 3.5 million dogs (and just about as many cats) enter America’s animal shelters. Many thousands of others go into rescue. If you’ve been considering adopting a pet, particularly a dog, this is a great time to add a furry friend to your household. Many shelters discount their adoption fees during this month, encouraging more adoptions, and ultimately, saving more lives.
 
Ready to Adopt?
Here are five questions to ask yourself if you’re considering adopting a dog (or any pet for that matter):
 
Are you committed to the animal for the rest of its life? Although circumstances in our lives can change, commit to caring for your pet for its lifetime.Is your household prepared for a dog? Do you have a fenced-in yard in which a dog can play and do its business? Or, if you live in an apartment, does your landlord allow pets and are you willing to take the dog outside for walks, times in the park, and other ways for it to play, exercise, and do its business? This, too, takes time and commitment.Are you willing to expend money on your pet’s health? Just like people, dogs (and other pets) need medical care. Pet insurance is available to help as is Care Credit, something I use regularly. Yet, the bills need to be paid. Be prepared for medical expenses with a pet!Do you have adequate time to devote to a pet? Dogs, especially, require time and attention. They lavish our presence; therefore, you need to be willing to give plenty of time to your furry friend. Relaxation on the couch, playtimes in the yard and/or house, and fun times like drives, hikes, walks, and playdates at the park.Are you willing to invest in quality food for your pet? There are endless varieties of pet food, many of which are low-grade and have been documented for causing health issues, even death. Quality food costs money, but, in the long run, feeding better food will keep your dog from visiting the vet frequently and help it live longer, and therefore, keep you from paying more on vet bills. Some organizations regularly report on the best and worst brands of pet food. Start here to learn more: https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/ 
If you answer “yes” to the above questions, then your decision to adopt a dog in need of a home is the right one! Begin your search locally for your next furry friend. Or, if you have a specific type of dog in mind, such as breed, age, sex, etc., go to Petfinder.com, put in your zip code and your pet parameters (i.e., adult, female, cocker spaniel) and see what this amazing database can find for you.
 
Adopting a dog saves two lives: the one being adopted and the next one in need of rescue and a home. Having a pet makes a home more cozy, warm, and loving. Just over one year ago, my husband and I adopted a Shih Tzu who had spent the first three years of his life at a puppy mill. He may never have had a home if it wasn’t for Hearts United for Animals, who rescued him and posted his availability for adoption on Petfinder as well as HUA’s website. Now, he is loved and spoiled – and I’m happy about that! You will be, too, after you adopt your next furry friend.