My dogs are the lights of my life. Before we had them, I told everyone and anyone to get a dog. But I wouldn’t say it now.
Before you get a dog for Christmas, you should know that they are a lot of work and a lot of money. In Kaya’s first 3 years with us, she’s had heart worm, a bad reaction to one of her annual shots, gotten bitten by another dog, and some weird allergic reaction on her tongue. It was expensive and heart wrenching and hard work. I would pay my whole life savings for her, but not everyone is capable of that.
Before you get a dog for Christmas, I hope you’ll consider not buying a designer dog from a breeder. You can find hypo allergenic breeds in shelter, there are many many breeds you can find in a shelter. It’s not just all pit bulls, but pit bulls are also amazing dogs and if we didn’t rent our place we would have considered getting one. Unfortunately, there is still a strong bias and breed restrictions.
Before you buy a dog for Christmas, know that you’re in it for the long haul. That there really shouldn’t be any reason for you to have to return that dog after a few months of it adjusting in your home. They won’t be perfect, you have to put in work to train them and even then they may have bad habits that you will have to adjust your life around.
Having a dog is my greatest joy in life, but one of my greatest sadnesses is seeing dogs in the shelters being returned or left unloved.
Rosie Culture 
Rosie, let me start by saying that your Kaya is beautiful, and your post informative and to the point. Anybody thinking about adopting a dog should think twice because they are not objects, but rather living, breathing beings and they depend on us. Great post!
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Thank you so much 🙂
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I’ve been considering getting a dog for life on the road. All of these reasons are why I haven’t. Shadow (my cat) is so low maintenance. I’d rather borrow dogs from shelters for day trips and bring them back! 😂
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Maybe when you settle again you can get a doggo and prepare them for a life of travel ☺️
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I think maybe if I get a tiny home that’s more permanent, I’ll do that. I’m not sure I’d want a dog thundering through here all day every day. Also, not sure how Shadow will react to a dog in such close quarters. He’s been an only child for 4 years. My ex’s dog wasn’t allowed around him. Shadow is semi-feral and super skittish.
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Aw yes then Shadow definitely takes priority!
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He sure does and he knows it. Spoiled little booger! 😂
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All of this: 100% yes, but… every circumstance is different. Shelters should be seen as the absolute last option for a pet if for whatever reason it doesn’t work out. Tying up said pet to a tree, dropping them in a dumpster, or locking them in a crate and leaving it in the middle of a field are not. I’ve volunteered for shelters and these are just some of the instances I’ve heard of where people decided they no longer want the responsibility and chose not to get a shelter involved. Yes, people should not get a pet if they cannot commit 100% to them, but we also need to get rid of the stigma around dropping a pet off to a shelter who will care and hopefully find a better home for them.
Thank you for bringing this issue to light; so many seem to forget about the added responsibility of their ‘gifts’ this time of year.
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Yes I totally agree! There are certain circumstances that people can’t foresee and in that instance, I really do hope they turn to a no-kill shelter. I was more referring to people who get their puppy without thinking of the responsibility and then a few years later when that puppy is much bigger and was never properly trained they think they can just drop it back off at the shelter. So sad. And I see SO many people still buying dogs from breeders while there are already so many dogs in need.
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I love my pets so much and if I could go back, I’d 100% still adopt them. But it definitely isn’t a decision to take lightly. People shouldn’t give pets as gifts-I mean it’s one thing to maybe help pay for adoption fees and what not, but the person who is going to be owning the dog should be the one choosing the dog. As you mentioned, there are health issues and other costs that can come up, so people have to be prepared for that (plus, if you’re renting apartments/homes, pet fees can be costly). And I agree, there are so many pets in shelters who are worthy of a good home-it’s a great option for those looking to adopt a pet!
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It’s just such a huge decision, to give a pet as a gift makes it seem like they forgot about all the responsibility
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Yes this!! I got my dog about 2 months after graduating from college and it was hard. She was a rescue and came with heartworm and hookworm. She’s super high energy and couldn’t exercise for 6/7 months too. But i wouldn’t trade her for the world. I always tell people that like the idea of a dog to foster a dog first. Cause they’re under no financial obligation, they can test it out, and they’re helping probably a long term resident
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Isn’t heartworm the worst 😭 keeping my dog inactive for 6 months was torture (and costly!)
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Yes! I even had to keep her away from my family’s other two dogs for the entire duration cause she’d get too excited when she’d see them 🥲
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You are so right Rosie, dogs are a serious commitment. So many people now seem to get the as playmates or even fashion accessories with no clue as to how much is involved. It’s like having a new member of the family isn’t it?
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Yes definitely! We care for all our pets like they are humans because that’s what they deserve (even our fish and snail ☺️)
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I cannot agree with this more. Pets are not toys. They are a lot of work, which sadly so many people do not realize this.
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I have seen so many people get dogs during lockdown and it kinda scares me, because a lot of these people have never expressed their fondness for dogs and suddenly they’ve gotten one. It’s worrying and I’m afraid of seeing the dog shelter stats if I’m honest. I’ve got 2 dogs, all not bought on impulse and we love them dearly!
✨ Marissa Belle × marsybun.com ✨
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Ugh I know I hope these people see it through and these dogs don’t end up back in the shelters when we all have to go back to work
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Thank you for the insightful and thoughtful blog. I am an ex-shelter dog. I was rescued and homed around a week before Christmas 2013. The people who adopted me took three months to think, read, review and check all about me. Nothing could have prepared them for the whirlwind that stepped through the door but they did their homework on me. The first few months were difficult as I was 2.5 and hadn’t had much training or guidance. I’d been homed at least once before but didn’t have a regime. There are so many dogs like me in rescue. I am so grateful for the chance of a real life now.
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So sweet 💕 my pup was a little over a year when we got her and it was so worth it getting an older dog!
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This.
I often get asked if I’d be happier with a pet, since I live alone and struggle with, well, a lot of things. I always say I can’t handle the responsibility. I’m gone for 9-10 hours most days, and I’m barely able to take care of myself. That isn’t fair to the animal, and the added stress isn’t worth it.
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I definitely wouldn’t be able to do it alone!
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Every dog I ever had was a pound puppy.
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❤️
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My dog is the best thing that ever happened to me.
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❤️❤️❤️
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