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« on: March 11, 2007, 07:00:37 am »
Very good question! My very first big paw (or should I say GIANT paw) changed my life in many ways! I guess I would have to say, the number one most important thing for people to do when deciding to get a dog- ANY dog- is to realistically look at your life and your future and accept the lifetime commitment you will be making to this dog, and be ready to step up to the plate to make sure you do not have to rehome them a year or so later when you realize just how much work is involved. Every dog goes through a rebellious "teen" period at about 1 to 2 years of age, and it is during that period that most shelter or abandoned dogs get displaced. Be ready! Work on training a little bit every day! Love your dog like you love your own children! Adopting a dog of any age/size should be undertaken with the same commitment adopting a child, or even deciding to have your own child requires.
Oh, and it makes life so much easier on everyone if you have a door leading directly into a fenced area of your yard for the dogs to go in and out, and better yet, have a deck or porch, with a ramp in place of stairs. MUCH easier on their hips, with the added bonus that if you ever need to carry your dog out to put him/her in your car in an emergency, having the ramp makes it much safer for the ones doing the carrying.