Puppies are adorable, there's no dispute there. But behind that sweet face and eyes that could melt your heart with just one look lies a monster. While it is a wonderful experience to raise an animal from young to adulthood, it is rather tiresome and challenging. Here's the ugly truth about adopting a new furry friend.
1. The adoption process can be hard.
Depending on what sort of shelter/rescue you attempt to adopt from, the application can be rather extensive. Also, there is a good chance that you won't be selected as the pet's new owner. You'll have to fill out many applications regarding different puppies from different organizations. This can be both frustrating and tiring. My advice: try not to get too attached to one puppy because most likely you'll have to fill out a few apps in order to finally get your pup.
2. Puppies are expensive.
Many people only think about the adoption cost when adopting a puppy, but fail to recognize all the necessities you must purchase in order to care for your pup. After adopting your puppy, you'll probably want to set up a vet visit for them. Chances are that if your puppy was clean the first visit, you'll probably be taking it back soon for some ailment.
Puppies are like children. They put anything and everything into their mouth and eat it too. From doing this it is likely that your pup will pick up some sort of bacterial or parasitic infection. This means another trip to the vet, and more money out of your wallet.
Besides being worried about their health, you need a lot of supplies in order to keep them happy. You will need an abundance of toys in order to keep them from growing bored, a cage (possibly purchasing another when your pup grows), pee pads (if you choose to take that route), a collar, tag, bowls, food, shampoo, grooming supplies, cleaning supplies, etc. It may not sound like a lot, but it is, and it's expensive too. It has been estimated that in the first year of your pups life they can cost anywhere from 800-6000 dollars. On average though, it costs about 2000 dollars to raise a dog in it's first year of life, while it can cost anywhere from 4600-33,000 dollars to care for him/her throughout their life. If you don't think you can meet the initial cost of owning a dog, then please do not try to adopt.
3. Again, puppies are children!
Puppies are destructive little monsters. Okay, they're extremely cute monsters, but monsters nonetheless. You may want to hide your favorite pair of shoes before they become Scruffy's new favorite chew toy. Move anything that if of value to you out of the puppies reach, it'll save you and your pup a lot of problems.
Puppies have accidents too! Expect little Fido to wet his pants sometimes. Potty training can be hard which can result in many pee puddles on your nice floors. Have cleaning supplies on hand that remove the odor from your carpet, otherwise your pup is going to try to keep peeing in that same spot.
Puppies don't always listen. They're new to this planet and they don't have a good grasp on much. Your puppy won't understand much of what you say for a long time. This results in behavioral issues, like jumping on things they shouldn't be on, chewing on things they shouldn't have, and biting you. Just remember to stay patient because they will get the hang of things.
4. Be prepared to lose sleep and free time.
Your puppy has a small bladder. If your puppy is anywhere from one to three months old, you should try to take it outside every hour to help avoid indoor accidents. Older pups can hold it longer but it is recommended to not let them hold it over three hours. When sleeping at night, you should try to take them out at least once in the middle of the night. If you do not choose to do so, sleep until your puppy cries, and when they do take them outside.
Due to their small bladder and three hour time limit, expect to not go out as long. Of course you can still go out, but you need to make sure your pup is getting let out as well. (Nobody likes to hold their pee, it's not fun!)
While you're not at home, it's likely that Lassie is going to be in a cage. Try to take time out of partying to spend time with your pup. They need to play and work off energy because they have an abundance of it! Nobody wants to be caged up all the time, make sure you give your puppy the play time it needs and deserves.
If none of this scares you, or perhaps it did but it was a good thing because it opened your eyes, and you're ready to adopt a precious pup then be prepared to love that thing to death. This puppy will teach you how to love in a way you didn't know you could, they will bring out the very best in you. Sometimes it's going to be hard and they will test your patience, just remember to take a deep breath and move on, because it's all worth it.
