Okay, for the record: I HAVE NOT DECIDED WHETHER OR NOT I AM GOING TO GET A DOG THIS YEAR. We’re talking about a 50/50 chance right now, which, admittedly, is as high as it's ever been. But that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. There are a lot of things to consider before making this kind of a decision, and I’ve thought about all of them. And probably a few more.
*What would I name it? Naming a dog would be no small thing for me. I spend way too much time trying to find the perfect names for characters, and this would be a living thing I’d have around for a relatively long time. I’d want it to have the right name. Easy enough if it’s a puppy (and there’s just no way that will happen), but what if I found a dog I wanted and it didn’t have the right name? How much training would it take to reprogram its name recognition ability?
*Where would I get it? Certainly not at a pet store, if that’s even a place to get a dog anymore. Would I search through ads in the newspaper, like how I found Spencer nearly twenty years ago? Would I search through some rescue organizations? Probably, but which ones? And how do I know that a rescue would decide I was worthy of adopting one of their dogs, with my house twenty yards away from a fairly busy road and me having to leave said dog home alone for eight hours of most days of the year?
*How would it feel about being home alone while I’m at school? I’d want to know it wasn’t going crazy waiting for me to come home. Sure, it would have toys, a bed, water, and all the comforts that really would (sadly) give it a better life than a lot of people get to have. But I know I’d be concerned and distracted thinking about it during the day if I wasn’t sure it was comfortable and happy. How long would he have to be crated all day long? Could I dog-proof the office and let him stay in there unattended? Would he be lonely if it was just him? How sad would that be if I was his entire universe?
*What accessories would I need to buy? Any of Spencer’s stuff that I kept would remain his, so I’d need new things. A new crate, leash, dishes, collar, toys, bed…what else? What am I forgetting?
*Where would I take him to see the vet? I didn’t have any problems with Spencer’s vet, really, other than knowing there were others that were closer. What stuff would I have to take care of regarding tick prevention or parasites or any other dog diseases?
*Would it have allergies? Would I be allergic? Maybe at first — I’m usually somewhat allergic around new dogs until my body adjusts, and there are meds to take, but what about the dog? Would he sneeze constantly, or lick itchy spots on his legs until they were raw and bleeding because there’s some unknown quality about the dust in my house that he couldn’t stand?
*Would it get along with the other dogs in the family? It would have a lot of dog cousins, and not all are famously social. I don’t know if Shamus and Butch would be able to stay at my house anymore, for more than a few days at a time, or Mac and Willow for that matter. I don’t know how 3 dogs would work, or if it would even be allowed in the association.
*Microchipped? Well, yeah. Of course.
*How big would he be as an adult? Using Spencer as a standard of comparison, how large of a dog would I be comfortable having here?
*Would he be a barker? Could we go for walks without turning the whole neighborhood inside out?
*Where would he go to get groomed? Way out to the groomer my parents use, the same one who took care of Spencer? Because that ends up being a full afternoon of an experience.
*Where do you get those collars that have their name and phone number on them?
*What’s the best kind of leash to buy?
*Do I have to give in to the pressure of those commercials that show insufferable people talking about how their dog food only has three or four wholistic ingredients so the owners can feel like they’re better than everyone else? Will food and treats from the grocery store be good enough? Would I even want to buy the same kinds of treats I always gave Spencer, or would I let those be his and start over with something new?
*How much say would I have in a breed if I adopted a rescue? I like Shamus and Willow, but we can’t have three cockapoos in the family. I could handle another Westie, but I don’t think they’re easy to find. And would a Westie remind me too much of Spencer? What about a pug? I like them, but I think they shed a ton so I’d probably be allergic to that, and don’t they have horrible breathing problems?
*I have to buy a new vacuum this week — should I get one that will handle tons of dog hair?
*Would it be better to get the carpet shampooed at the beginning of summer before a dog would arrive, or wait until just before school?
*Who would take care of him if I was ever traveling out of town? I really don’t like the idea of boarding in a kennel.
All of this is really just scratching the surface. It’s just that there are so many things to consider.
No comments:
Post a Comment