Whether you already have a dog or are looking at getting one soon, there are certain things you should always keep in mind. These are a few dog facts that dog lovers always need to consider.
If you don’t already know, I am a dog lover. Big or small, cute or ugly — I have never met an undesirable dog. I love them all. I talk to them and I kiss and hug them, probably more than I should. My husband is always telling me I am going to get a pierced lip one of these days, but that doesn’t deter me a bit. If I walk by a car with a dog, I always talk to the dog and tell him or her how pretty they are. Hey, what do you expect from “The Crazy Dog Lady”?
It is a fact that, in general, smaller breeds of dogs often live longer than larger breeds. This is not always the case, but most of the time this is how life plays out for them. Smaller dogs may live on average 10 to 15 years or so, while bigger dogs are often lucky to get to 10 years old. I had a small terrier mix dog that lived to be 19 1/2 years old. I have a Lhasa Apso right now that is 17. He is showing his age but is still getting around, but he is still a baby to me.
There will come a time where your doggy will no longer be around any longer, and if you get a dog and he is family, you know you will eventually have to deal with his passing. That is a fact in getting a dog. We all know this. It is hard, but you deal with it. I like to think of it as I gave that dog the best life ever. They had good food, water, a warm house, companionship, and most of all, unconditional love.
Treat your dog like a member of the family, because they are, and if you’re not ready to do that, then maybe it is not the time to bring home a dog. There are all kinds of reasons to get a dog, and yet there are all kinds of reasons not to get a dog. You alone must decide what you want to do. It is not fair to get the animal and a month later take it back to where you got it or take it to a shelter. This makes it very stressful and hard on the dog. They are beings also. This is a fact; one I stand by.
If you’re having a stressful day or sleepless night, snuggle up to your dog. They will let your stress melt away and allow you to fall asleep much easier. There is something so calming about petting a dog. I think if hospitals had a dog in every room, patients would recover so much better. Knowing that your pet is by your side and will never abandon you should help carry you through any problems you may be facing.
We all can agree that the unconditional love that a dog can bring is truly a miracle.
If you are ready to bring a dog into your family, check out the Central Aroostook Humane Society at 24 Cross St. in Presque Isle. You can also find us on Facebook.
Please be responsible: spay and neuter.
Gail Wieder is a member of the Central Aroostook Humane Society’s board of directors.
