In The Beginning....WHO????

Who is going to take care of the new dog?? This is the first, and probably the most important, of all the topics of what you need to take into consideration before ever bringing a new dog home. If you are single and will be the sole person taking care of "Fluffy", then this question is already answered ~ the job falls squarely on your shoulders. However, in families with children, many parents make the mistake of purchasing or getting a new dog with the expectation or exclamation that a child will bear the brunt of the responsibility.

Although children can be responsible for a dog's needs to a certain extent, it is more important to remember that a dog's need for attention and care are constant...a child's attention to that responsibility is NOT.

If a parent is not comfortable with the fact that they are, from the beginning, ultimately responsible for overseeing all of "Fluffy's" care, then it would be best to stop right there and not get the dog. Also, never get a dog just because a child wants one or because you think it might teach them a lesson in responsibility. Again, in the end, the parent is ultimately responsible for ALL care the dog recieves ~ good AND bad.

A dog deserves to be treated as a member of a family, with everyone encouraged to participate in his or her care. If you KNOW you are ready to accept this responsibility whether single or a parent, then continue on to the next important topic in making sure your home is ready for your new family member...In The Beginning ~ What???

THE BOND

As I start this blog off, I think first and foremost it is important to establish the undeniable importance and the strength of the bond between a dog and their human 'parent'. From the moment you set eyes on each other, the start of a bond has been planted and must be encouraged and nurtured as it grows.

Your dog, without a doubt, will depend on you for everything ~ from food, to shelter, to love and yes, even discipline. Initially, trust must be earned and bounderies set for there to be not only a happy bond, but a healthy one as well.

In this blog, I will cover many topics, however, it is because of the bond you and your dog share that will make sharing them possible. I would love to hear your suggestions and thoughts for future topics, as well as your comments to the information I will provide.

Remember ~ the love of a four legged furry wonder is wonderfully unconditional and indescribable...but for them to be as lucky for you to love them just as much, I believe, to them is priceless.