Pros and cons of raising a puppy or dog

If you knew more about what raising a puppy or dog entails and the benefits it brings, would that be something you would consider? The primary goal of parenting is to temporarily house and prepare a puppy or dog for adoption. As with everything in life, there are pros and cons.

Decisions must be made before committing to raising an animal. Are you willing to make and keep the promise of time, energy, patience, and love? What do you prefer, a puppy or an older dog? Do you know the responsibilities associated with that decision? Do you know that some animals in foster care can have behavioral problems?

What race, mix, age, size, or gender would you be most comfortable with? Are you willing to bring an older dog? Would you consider a puppy or dog with a disability or health problem?

How does your family feel about parenting? If you have a pet, how would you react if another animal moved into your territory? Remember, everyone should feel comfortable with this decision.

For how long are you willing to commit? Some adoptees prefer short-term commitments. Others, for as long as necessary. Would you be able to give up the animal, especially knowing that it would go to a loving home? Would you be willing to adopt your adoptive, if his destiny is not a forever home?

There will be changes in your routine; most likely for the better. You will do more exercise!

You may have to provide the food. There are bailouts that occasionally help with food costs.

The most common complaint heard is how attached an adoptive has become to their animal. This is usually done with less experienced foster children. Those who have done it before have an easier time “letting go”. They are happy that their upbringing has found a loving family, a forever home. There is also another side to the attachment complaint. It is not unusual for the foster parent to decide to stay with his ward. They are all winners!

Most shelter dogs are medium or larger in size and / or mixed breeds. If there is a specific breed you prefer, check with rescues for that breed. They are overloaded and are also looking for foster homes.

Some of the animals in rescues and shelters have health problems, disabilities, or behavior problems. Would this be a problem for you? There are servants who prefer to take care of the tender and loving care of an elderly or terminally ill animal. They want to offer them the best quality of life, in the little time that they have left. They are undoubtedly extraordinary people. Congratulations to them!

The animal you breed may require basic obedience or housebreaking training. Are you willing to invest the time necessary to make them more adoptable?

You will most likely have to pass a background check and a home inspection. It is gratifying to know that you have met shelter or rescue standards and are eligible to provide a temporary home.

Most shelters / rescues will take care of necessary medication and veterinary expenses. Surprisingly, there is parenting that absorbs those expenses as part of its responsibilities. They deserve congratulations too!

By welcoming, you will be a less destroyed animal, creating a vacancy for the shelter / rescue to offer another puppy or dog a roof over their head and food on their belly, until they find their forever home.

Bottom line. You will earn the unconditional love and appreciation of the animal to whom you have opened your heart and home, however long it may be. You will have the gratifying feeling of saving at least one puppy or dog, of being destroyed simply because there are so many out there who need our help.

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