I have quite a few unmarried friends in relationships that are settled in with their significant others and are considering getting a pet. Let me just say this... DON'T. But if you really, really, really want to, abide by the following guidelines...
1- Decide Whose Pet it REALLY is...
Don't get me wrong, I adore animals. ADORE THEM. My dog is like my child. He's spoiled rotten and I love him more than most human beings. However, he is and always has been MINE. I was in a long-term relationship when I found him, but it was always understood that he was my dog. Granted, he was treated as if he was OUR dog.
But there was never a question when we split up who would get my little muchacho. He was mine. And that was hard on my ex. So, while this wouldn't be an easy scenario even if you do this, make sure you decide who gets the dog/cat/etc. if, god forbid, you split up. I know, I know, you're soulmates and you'll never break up! Yeah, decide anyway. Cause breakups happen, kids.
2- If You're Getting a Dog Specifically, Make Sure You are Ready For One...
I grew up with dogs. And so when I found the little demon that's presently nestled at the foot of my bed, I was ecstatic about finally having one of my own. My own little baby! Yeah. Well.. here's the thing; dogs are a lot of fucking work. And they require you to be home often.. They're like infants who are always infants. Essentially they're helpless, voiceless, hungry, needy little babies who rely on you for everything. So make sure you're ready to sacrifice some things. And don't leave just one of you to do all the legwork.. that's just some bullshit. Cats are certainly less maintenance, but they are also assholes. Also, dogs are fucking expensive. Once a year you're lookin' at a few hundred dollars for vaccinations.. not to mention a spay/neuter, any and all accidents, leashes, collars, food, toys, chewies, treats, heartworm meds, flea and tick meds... IT ADDS THE FUCK UP. Now, I'm not saying don't get a dog. At all. I know, it sure as hell sounded like it, right? I'm not. I don't mind spending a shit ton of money on my pooch because I love him so much. I just wanted to make clear the realities of what owning a dog is like, if you're unaware.
And do research on your breeds! I cannot stress this enough.
People hate my dog so much because he's part Chihuahua and is therefore possessive of me. He barks a lot and it takes a while before he's comfortable with other people. But that's how his breed is. Also, his trachea starts to collapse once in a while, causing him to wheeze dramatically for up to a half hour. Had I not researched the breed, I wouldn't know the proper way to handle this. Research your breeds! This goes for cats too!
3- Foster the Puppies (slash kitties)
Fostering is a great way to find out if you can handle a pet. It's like babysitting. You still get the full experience of being a pet owner, but eventually it's going to a good home. So, if you're really interested in getting a dog or a cat, try fostering first. See if you can handle it and if it'll fit into your lives the way you want it to.
4- FINE. ADOPT.
If you decide to actually get a pet after not heeding any of my warnings, make sure you adopt. Yes, there's always something enticing about walking into a pet store and looking at all the wee puppies and deciding to take one home. But there are so many dogs on death row who are just as cute and fuzzy and need homes far more desperately than any of the dogs in a pet shop. Also, when purchasing a dog from a pet shop, nine times out of ten, you are financially supporting puppy mills! Any local animal shelter is stocked to the brim with puppies, dogs, cats, etc. who NEED a home. And don't be afraid to take the older ones too. Puppies and kittens will get snatched up fast. Love the oldies.. even if it's for less time than you'd love a puppy or a kitten.
So there you have it. Heed my warnings, follow these skeletal guidelines and get a pet/don't get a pet.
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