While we have had several dogs over the years and currently have a Shih Tsu, you are wise to think carefully about adopting a dog. A few points to consider…
1) Each breed has its own temperament. Even a mixed breed dog will have some characteristics from the different breeds.
2) What size dog do you want? Larger dogs will generally need more outdoor time than smaller dogs.
3) Consider the additional expenses. Our dog requires grooming every six weeks at $60-80 per visit. Add in vet bills, food, etc.
4) Training is very important and will help you and your dog handle different situations. Is the dog allowed on the furniture? Will you be feeding it scraps from the table? Read a book on dog training before you get the dog.
Given all that, we love our dog and wouldn’t trade him for the world. When the day comes when he is gone, we (and our friends) will need grief counseling.
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“There is no such thing as a normal period of history. Normality is a fiction of economic textbooks.”
— Joan Robinson, “Contributions to Modern Economics” (1978)
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