A Dog is a Huge Commitment

So you want a dog?

You may be dreaming about sofa snuggles and long walks (I know I like them), but there is much more to having a dog. You need to prepare fur a life-long relationship. All too often, humans skip this step. When I was in the shelter program, I watched some of the same humans bring a dog back within a week or two. Good grief, once, one of my fur-ends was brought back within 24 hours. Before deciding to get a dog, you should look at the money, time, and effort involved. 

This includes

• Ongoing costs for Vet care
• Food (very important don’t skimp here)
• Supplies (like a cozy bed)
• Grooming ( we need to look good)
• Training (yes, I said training)
• And finally - boarding when you travel (remember, we would rather go with you)

Overlooking any of these could lead to a bad situation for both of us. You need to consider whether you are ready to make the long-term commitment required to provide us with a loving, stable home.

Look at your lifestyle

When thinking about rescuing or adopting a dog, it's important to think over your lifestyle and the way you live. Are there other pets we’re gonna be rooming with? Do you have small kids? Where do you live - in a house, apartment, or rental?  It can be harder if you're renting, there can be additional costs and some of us may not be allowed. If you move, can you bring us with you. All these questions will help in making your choice.

Different breeds have different needs

Take me for example. I need my walks and time outside otherwise I’ll go stir crazy.  Not giving us a job or playtime can lead to bad stuff like chewed furniture, holes in the carpet or walls, and missing shoes (I’ve done that).

Puppies need more time and effort than adult dogs. Senior dogs can cost more at the vet. Working dogs like me, need a lot more exercise and activity. You need to think about what we will need before you take us home. Once we leave the shelter, we don’t want to go back. We want our fur-ever home to be with you.

Shelter Statistics

My human tells me, over 3.3 million dogs are dropped off at shelters across the United States every year - I’ve been there done that, and I don’t want to do it again. The bad news is, that 670,000 of us a year will be put to fur-ever sleep within just 5 to 7 days of being abandoned at a shelter.  In some cases, put to sleep as quickly as 48 to 72 hours. The outlook is bad, as only 10% of us (shelter dogs) will find fur-ever homes. I was one of the lucky ones. Four years ago, when I was in the shelter, is when things started getting bad. Some of my fur-ends didn’t have a bed, toys, attention from humans. We were stacked up everywhere. It’s still that way today. There is not enough room for us all. This is one reason humans should adopt from shelters.

This is why I started my company, Caffeine & Canines, so I can help my fur-ends in shelters. I was lucky to be adopted into a loving, caring home. My new human had the patience and dedication required to take me home, even with the trauma and bad habits I picked up during my time in the shelter. Wanting to keeping me no matter what, my human helped me with my issues and gave me a second chance at a happy life. 

A good routine

My human provided me with a cozy bed next to hers, as well as a crate that I could use if I wanted. She took me to a new vet, got me set up there, and made sure I was healthy. From the start, she set clear rules, but was patient, giving me time to get used to my new home. She was consistent with daily walks and feeding schedules. I was able to learn new commands and manners from a trainer, which my human and I practice often. My favorite practice is when she brings alongs treats for when I’m a good boy.

When we go out, I’m always wearing my leash. I wish other humans would make their dogs wear a leash because I'm not a big fan of other dogs, so it's important they don't come up to me too fast. Also, some humans are afraid of us, so humans should keep us  leashed when required. My human also makes sure to carry bags and cleans up after me, which is the right  thing to do.

Still thinking about adopting a dog? I hope this gives you some things to think about. When we’re in shelters, we’re often scared that we won’t get a loving fur-ever home or get out alive period. If you give us a chance, we will love you and be loyal for life. 

Caffeine & Canines, donates a portion of our sales to local animal shelters to help our furry friends find fur-ever homes. I ask you to paw-lease visit us, buy a bag of coffee, and adopt a dog in need. Together we can save more dogs.

Rescuing a dog can be a life-changing event. Once you open your heart and home to a rescued pup, you'll find that you can't imagine your life without them.

Drink Coffee and Save Dogs

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