Credits: Social Media
Not everyone should own a dog, and that’s okay
If dogs are mans best friend , then pet ownership in the 21st century paints a pretty dire picture of our friendship skills and, more concerningly, how selfish human desire pervades every facet of life.
Most kids, if not all, want a dog. This deep need for companionship continues through into adulthood, leading to the fact that 66% of American households have at least one dog. They are relatively easy to get and can be quite cheap depending on the avenue you go down. But ease of access does not mean you should buy one.
Business is booming
Like the rest of life, the pet industry is peak capitalism and is expected to hit $500 billion by 2030! Owning a dog is a huge expenditure, with USA Today reporting that the average household spends $4,512 a year. That is, of course, not including the plague of unethical breeding where self-declared businesses use and abuse female dogs to pump out as many bags of cash as possible.
Of course, much of the dog-related expenditure is personal choice. You dont have to buy them the latest gizmo or the best quality food, but that could, in turn, impact their development and happiness. If you cant provide the best possible environment, then should you really be getting a dog?
I found this out for myself recently after bringing home an eight-week-old Cocker Spaniel as a little sister to my runt of the litter Shorkie. We named her Maggie which, although not my first choice, has grown on me significantly.
Currently, Maggie has cost $57 a month in Vet bills, which are through a subscription-based service, $62 a month in food, $215 in dog training classes, and around $35 for each grooming session. That shocking number is not including toys, beds, treats, leads, poo bags (of which there are many) and stair gates to protect upstairs from those razor-sharp puppy teeth.
The saddest statistics youll ever read
When you purchase or rescue a dog, you are signing up to provide and care for it. While this sounds like common sense, its a simple fact that is often missed by those wanting a best friend with four legs.
As stated by The Zebra, only 10% of dogs born will find a permanent home. Around 3.9 million dogs are abandoned or given up to shelters each year in the US alone. Thats a huge number of people who initially accepted the responsibility, only to later regret their decision.
A survey from Forbes found that 54% of dog owners regret their choice, with 26% admitting that they struggled with working full-time and giving the pooch the attention it needed.
Its like a baby. I cant just take off, I have to make arrangements, one person told the publication. In some ways, caring for a puppy is more complicated than having a baby. Little humans stay relatively still and can somewhat communicate their needs without peeing on the floor or ripping apart your latest Nike trainers.
Even the best can still be lacking
Lets say that, as a prospective dog owner, youre going to love and nurture your new pooch until the end of time. You are going to dedicate all your time to their needs, give them everything they need and then some.
On the outside, it sounds like a pretty good life, doesn’t it? Who wouldnt want to lounge around all day, eating treats and playing with toys? But with so many differing expert opinions, it can be difficult to nail down the right route to bringing up your four-legged bestie.
At just six months old, Maggie has been subjected to heaven knows how many training techniques and behavioural tactics. One expert tells you one thing, while another site will contradict previous statements entirely.
Working from home definitely makes taking care of a pup easier, even if the added distraction makes it difficult to concentrate sometimes. But still, is she getting the best possible life she can?
The harsh truth of dog ownership
I dont regret getting Maggie. I also feel that Im providing her with a safe, stable and happy environment to grow up in. But just because I believe something, that doesnt mean its true. It doesnt mean she is living her best possible life.
I also knew that the moment she entered my home, she was mine for better or worse. I had signed on the dotted line, no matter what that entailed. Unfortunately, as illustrated by the above statistics, a massive amount of dog owners are simply unprepared for the responsibility.
There is no shame in not being able to take care of a dog, only if you fail to recognise that because of your overwhelming want for one. Dont get mans best friend for you, get one because you can be the dogs best owner.
