It is said that a dog is a man’s best friend: this depends on you! Written by Mama Cash

I read this not too long ago:

“He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog."

- Gene Hill

A powerful quote, it is something one must remember in owning a canine.

I just had the need to share my opinion on my deepest apprehension towards capricious dog-owners – people who without batting an eyelash, anxiously jump into grabbing themselves a cute little furball, get enthusiastically hooked to them for a few days, weeks or months (depending on their tolerance) and gives them all the love and attention to later realize this is not quite as easy as they expected and finally abandons the bowwow to a shelter (if lucky) when they’re done!

Of course, all this without thinking of their best friend’s feelings!

This is a scenario you will see too often – I know it first-hand! This is why I have adopted one too many dogs in my life and I have one too many loves! I’m a true devotee of tail-waggers and this is what brought me to writing this article and educate whoever I may:

I just spent two weeks with my niece and her Cocker Spaniels and being a pooch-lover, I treasured every minute I spent with them. Before I knew it, I had fallen for their cuteness, just like the many guests and family members that met Sunny and Rocky! But what my niece and I knew and the others didn’t was that they’re quite a handful.

One member of my family got taken and did exactly what I feared the most! Without thinking of consequences that individual went and bought a puppy – and eagerly!

Buying a fido changes your life forever. Bringing in a new pup into your home may be exciting but it comes with a lifetime commitment – a dog’s lifetime! It’s not just about having fun and games with them but also giving them the proper care. And proper care starts with unconditional love, patience, hygiene, vitamins and meds, vaccines, vet visits, grooming and the TLC measures which rarely come free of complicated illnesses when they mature – just like humans! They are not just animals – they’re man’s best friend!

Here’s a quick walk-through before buying a cur:

1. Know that you really want a dog:

Some of the toughest questions you need to ask yourself before acquiring a dog are: Do I really want a dog? Can I afford a dog? Am I prepared to sacrifice for my dog?

A dog is a commitment for the entirety of his or her life and therefore you need to consider the circumstances of your lifestyle. If you have thoroughly examined your needs and routine and you’re ready to adjust in your way of living, it’s the right time to research on the puppy you want to have as a friend for life.

2. Preparing for your dog:

Pooch-proofing your home is the most essential step before purchasing or adopting a dog. All toxins, electrical cords and breakables should be set aside in jump-proof, climb-proof, chew-proof and scratch-proof high cabinets or secure metal containers.

Another important thing to bear in mind is that a new hound needs a new wardrobe and furniture! The most important items include a leash and a collar with an identification tag, food and water bowls, chew toys and a nice doggy bed!

3. Where to find your dog:

There are many places to find a healthy puppy or a well-socialized dog. You can consider adopting one, for instance, instead of buying one. Animal shelters have oodles of purebreds, including “designer” and “hybrids” as well as mix-breeds just waiting for a home.

There are also responsible breeders that sell loving and healthy canines. Visit the premises to reassure yourself that your future dog has been bred in a fit environment.

Pet stores are another source of finding your pal, however here’s a word of advice: do a background check on your dog’s history and breeder and don’t get swayed by a salesperson pushing a pet you might happen to have an eye for.

Never buy a pup from a puppy mill! You might be under the impression that you’re rescuing him or her but on the other hand you’re giving the puppy mill operator an opening for another puppy to be bred in poor and inhumane conditions.

There are other concerns to think about when obtaining a paw such as naming your canine with a nice ring to it for him or her to understand with no trouble. Choosing its food whether you prefer to feed your new buddy premium foods or a holistic/natural diet is imperative as well. Deciding on which veterinarian to retain can be a difficult choice, and so can spaying or neutering, but these courageous decisions need to be addressed preferably before bringing your pooch home.

Housebreaking your pup uncomplainingly so that accidents don’t happen (too often!!!) and of course, teaching your dog all the different basic commands, leash-training and socializing can avoid behavioral problems in the future.

Last but not least, I must make mention about bonding with your dog – this is the most beautiful part of your relationship with your best friend! The moment your pooch walks into your front door, he or she has come into your life thus the love grows relentlessly! Too much affection is never enough, too much caring is never sufficient!

But the return is undying and ceaseless love, admiration and loyalty from your soul mate as the quote tells us above.

Welcome to the dog world!