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Should
everyone who wants a dog go out and get one? This is an important
question with BIG implications for prospective dog owners and more
importantly for the dogs who need adopting. I am a fan of dog ownership
but a fanatic when it comes to dog ownership through adoption from
public shelters or private rescue organizations. Making the decision
about where to get your dog will come after evaluating realistically
whether or not your life is compatible with caring for a dog and the
many responsibilities that come with a pet in your home.
As
with so many underserved social missions, women have made up the vast
majority of individuals in the past 50yrs who volunteer their time to
care for abandoned or neglected animals and to find new loving homes
for them. Women and homeless dogs have a long history together and when
planned well, women and dogs can have mutually beneficial relationships
of companionship and trust that surpass expectations.
Dog
ownership among single women and households headed by women is on the
rise mirroring women’s achievements in the workplace and the financial
independence that comes with it. Women also are marrying later and
seeking alternative or additional forms of companionship in their lives
that satisfies the need to nurture a being other than self. A big
benefit for women in dog ownership is- lets face it ladies- a dog fed
and loved will never lie, dissemble, cheat, or steal from you……need I
say more?!
If
you have thought seriously about adopting a dog ask yourself these
questions and always remember adopting a dog is a huge responsibility
and a commitment that can not be entered into without a serious bit of
soul searching. Consulting with the whole family or those not related
to you living in the home is a must. Although you may be the personal
caretaker of the pup all those coming into contact with him/her must be
on the same page and understand that your decision will affect their
lives in some way.
Also,
please check your lease or ask you landlord or management company the
standing policy for dogs in the building. There may be a fee to secure
your right to keep a dog. If you own your own home please check with
your insurance company about any breed they deem uninsurable that may
affect your ability to maintain home insurance. Attack and guard breeds
such as Rottweilers, German Sheperds, and Pit Bulls of all shapes and
sizes may exclude you from coverage from your current provider.
Do you have time?
The
biggest mistake I see with new dog owners is that they have
underestimated by a long shot the amount of time and dedication dog
ownership takes. Too often many of the problems brought to my attention
by new owners are time related. Not enough time is the number one
reason dogs can become a burden rather than a loving pack member. If
you work twelve hour days and expect to come home to a calm well
mannered dog your expectations do not match the reality of your dog’s
needs.
The
good news regarding the time issue is that a wellspring of services has
blossomed to fill this need. If you don’t feel you have the amount of
time for your dog you feel is appropriate you can hire a service to
fill that void for you such as a reputable dog walker or a dog day care
service. At “Boca’s Play N Stay” located in Jersey City, NJ our pups
get 6 hours of play time a day which is usually enough to tire out even
the most active dog. These services can be great for owner and dog by
smothering the feelings of guilt of the busy owner and providing an
outlet for your dog’s energy. So by the end of the day both of you are
relaxed and can spend some quality time training or just chillin’. As
the old saying goes “a tired dog is a good dog!”
You
should also take the time to research how much such services will cost
on a daily basis and if
