Friends have asked when I will be getting another dog, as they have never seen me with just one. I tell them, "Not right now." Adopting another dog is a large responsibility and a commitment I am not willing to make at this moment. It has to be right for the animal, not just the person. Through the years, I have seen too many people get pets that shouldn't have. The one who suffers most in that situation is the pet.
So here is my "Don't Get a Pet If List."
Don't get a dog/cat if:
You are in a pet store.
You love and have white rugs.
The sight of fur on your clothes, couch etc. makes you crazy.
The thought of walking anywhere or bending over makes you hyperventilate.
You keep the inside of your car cleaner than a hospital OR.
You hate being inconvenienced.
You can't afford veterinary care.
You have no sense of humor.
You are afraid of germs.
You plan on chaining or kenneling it out back somewhere. (Get a lawn ornament instead.)
You will let it run free in the neighborhood.
Dirt offends you.
You feel it would be cruel to take away a male pet's "manhood." (A scrotum does not make a man- it is what's in heart and head. Maybe it's time to reassess things, Big Guy.)
You can't afford to feed yourself.
You are irresponsible.
You plan on crating it for 8 hours a day while you work and another 8 hours when you go to bed. (How would you like to live in a box)?
You live with an abusive, violent or unstable person. (You need to move out, get your life straight then get a pet)
You lash out or loose control easily. (Get a punching bag instead.)
You are drug or alcohol dependent. (Get in a program, then get a pet.)
Your children are out of control.
You think having a mean dog is "cool."
You are afraid of commitment.
You already have more pets than you can take care of. (afford, clean up after, etc)
Obedience training is not "your thing."
If this list offends you, then just maybe you need to be offended.
