Adopting a puppy is kind of like getting married. A young couple on cloud nine, dressed to the nines and staring lovingly into one another’s eyes as they take their vows…They aren’t thinking of the spats over his inability to put socks in the hamper, or how they will grow and change as time goes on. When you pick up that little fluffy puppy…your heart nearly bursting as he presses his soft wet nose to your cheek and nuzzles your face…the last thing on your mind is all the chewed cell phone charging cables, and war wounds as he uses your ankles as his favorite teething toy. But sooner or later those serotonin levels stabilize, reality comes crashing down, and you are left with the good AND the bad.
I’ve been happily married for 11 years and I like puppies just fine, but I have a healthy respect for the time and energy invested to make either relationship mutually happy and successful. So many are hypnotized by the shiny but shallow attributes before they are really ready for the responsibility. I think God made babies (of all kinds) adorable because if they were UGLY little creatures who pooped indiscriminately, chewed like termites, and made it their life’s mission do the exact opposite of what you ask of them, then a lot more species would be extinct.
“But Laura, you make puppies seem so terrible….and I’m not feeling that warm and fuzzy about my fiancé right now either, for that matter”…. Oh don’t worry. That puppy breath is pretty nice, and spouses have a few redeeming qualities as well 😛 Raising a puppy can be loads of fun, if you can accept the following.
1) They are a big time investment. You have no business with a puppy unless you plan to socialize him publicly several times a week, every week (while he is young and impressionable especially). Those babies are like little sponges and its your job to let them know that loud noises and people of various shapes, sizes, and colors are all normal and friendly.
2) You are prepared to work your way through the bad in order to get to good. You are raising a living creature. Teach, don’t nag. Don’t scream. Be kind.
3) You are prepared and able to take him out to potty as often as he needs….and that may mean sacrificing your lunch break at work so he can eliminate.
If you would like to adopt a puppy, or talk with us further, view our adoptable animals or shoot us an email at info.cvrr@gmail.com
