Having a dog is a lifetime commitment. Or at least a commitment you should keep as long as your dog lives. When you adopt a dog, it becomes your responsibility, whether you are in the mood to take good care of it or not.

Not a few dog owners leave their dogs tied to their chains unattended, day in, day out. Imagine how bored you would be if you have nothing to do, nowhere to go, every day, for the rest of your life. It isn’t fun. It’s not fun particularly for pets who love to run around, play around, and have fun.

Before adopting a dog, there are plenty of things you should think about. These ensure that your dog’s life with you is a pleasurable experience.

Are you committed to taking care of a dog?
Many people who adopt dogs do so just because they woke up one day wanting to have a pet. That’s irresponsible, not to mention very selfish. Dog adoption is not something you can decide overnight. It needs thorough thinking.

If you are considering to adopt a dog, it is highly advisable to first think it through. Don’t decide yet. Analyze first all the things that need to be considered before going to an animal shelter. In fact, talk yourself out of it and see if that changes your opinion. Remember, dog adoption is not something you can take very lightly. It is a major decision as it does not only affect you, it affects the life of the dog you are about to bring home.

Is it the best time for you to adopt a dog?
Maybe you are a die-hard dog lover. Maybe you are committed to giving a good life to a dog. But, is it really the best time for you to be adopting a dog?

In general, people are discouraged from adopting a dog if they are going through some major life events. These include getting married, changing job situations, pregnancy, moving to another place, rocky relationship, financial concerns, new limits on leisure time, disagreement within the family, sickness, death, and other concerns.

If you are undergoing or anticipating to undergo these tough situations, it will be better that you don’t adopt a dog yet. Many dogs have been surrendered to animal shelters because their old families didn’t have the time to take care of them or the leisure to pay them some attention.

Dogs need ample attention during their first few weeks of stay at your home. So if you don’t think you can give a dog that, it is best that you delay your decision for a time.

Are you ready for a new financial obligation?
Adopting a dog has its costs. Taking care of a dog adds additional financial responsibility. You will have to shell out bucks to pay for the dog, for spaying or neutering surgery, for the initial obedience and socialization classes, and for the initial shots of vaccines. Then you will have to pay for ongoing expenses like food and treats, licensing costs, grooming, travel costs, regular vet checkups on top of paying for its health maintenance.

Check out some great recipes:

Bulldog Banana Bites

Bulldog Banana Bites 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup powdered milk — nonfat 1 egg 1/3 cup banana — ripe, mashed 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 beef bouillon cube 1/2 cup water — hot 1 tablespoon brown sugar Mix all ingredients until will... [Read more]

Chow Chow Chicken

Ingredients: 2 chicken pieces (breats, thighs, whatever’s preferable) 3 carrots, peeled and cut in half 1 stick celery, sliced into chunks 2 small potaotes, peeled & cubed 2 cups rice, uncooked Directions: Place chicken pieces in large pot. Cover... [Read more]

BJ’S Peanutty Pupcicles

BJ’S Peanutty Pupcicles 1 ripe banana 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup chopped peanuts Mash banana’s and peanut butter, stir in wheat germ. Chill 1 hour. Place in container, store in refrigerator or freezer.  Read More →

Cheesy Carrot Muffins

Cheesy Carrot Muffins 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 cup cheddar cheese — Shredded 1 cup carrot — grated 2 large eggs 1 cup milk Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a muffin tin or line it with... [Read more]

Chewy Cheesy Chihuahua Pizza

Chewy Cheesy Chihuahua Pizza Crust 2 cups cake flour 1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour 1/4 cup olive oil 1 egg 1 cup water 1 teaspoon baking soda Sauce & Toppings 1 tomato 1 cup tomato puree 1 clove garlic 1/4 cup parmesan cheese — grated 1/2 teaspoon... [Read more]

Cheesey Dog Cookies

Cheesey Dog Cookies 2 cups All-Purpose flour — un-sifted 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese — shredded 2 cloves Garlic — finely chopped 1/2 cup Vegetable oil 4 tablespoons Water — (4 to 5) Combine everything except water. Whisk in food... [Read more]

Bacon Bits for Dogs

Bacon Bits for Dogs 6 slices cooked bacon — crumbled 4 eggs — well beaten 1/8 cup bacon grease 1 cup water 1/2 cup powdered milk — non-fat 2 cup graham flour 2 cup wheat germ 1/2 cup cornmeal Mix ingredients with a strong spoon; drop... [Read more]

Dog Biscuits

Dog Biscuits 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour 1/2 cup dry milk — powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon brown sugar 6 tablespoons beef fat1 egg — beaten 1/2 cup ice water 1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly oil a cookie sheet.... [Read more]

Corgi Crumpets

Corgi Crumpets 2 1/2 cups cornmeal 1 1/2 cups cake flour 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 egg 2/3 cup honey 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 small apple 1 1/3 cups water 1/2 cup rolled oats Preheat oven to 350. In a... [Read more]

Beef Twists

Beef Twists 3 1/2 cups flour, all-purpose 1 cup cornmeal 1 package unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup milk 1 egg 1/4 cup corn oil 1 jar Baby food, meat, beef, strained 1 beef bouillon cube 3/4 cup boiling water — or beef stock Dissolve bouillon cube in... [Read more]