Owning a dog is a joy, a privilege, and a huge responsibility; in order to enjoy the animal’s company, you need to take care of it. Every. Single. Day.

So when Reddit user SeaworthinessOwn9590‘s husband and kids started considering bringing a pup into their home, she made them prove that they were ready for the commitment.

The family had problems with it pretty much straight from the get-go, but instead of reevaluating their desires, they started blaming the woman.

This man really wanted to get a dog with his kids

Image credits: Lifeonwhite (not the actual photo)

But his wife asked them to show that they were ready for the responsibility that comes with it

Image credits: YuriArcursPeopleimages (not the actual photo)

Eventually, the grandparents also got involved

Image credits: IrynaKhabliuk (not the actual photo)

Image credits: SeaworthinessOwn9590

The goals that the woman had set out for her family sound achievable

Image credits: Andrew Schultz (not the actual photo)

According to experts at Dogtopia, the leading provider of dog daycare in North America, there are five signs that now is the right time for you to get a puppy:

• You have time to train your puppy and shower them with attention. Bringing home a puppy requires plenty of time and patience. When welcoming the new addition into your family, be prepared to invest a lot of hours into things like potty training, safe socialization with humans and other pets, helping them distinguish between toys and off-limit items, and so on. Teaching your pup how to interact with the world right off the bat will help them grow into a well-behaved and obedient dog, however, it will remain an ongoing process. Training is something that should be consistent throughout your pet’s lifetime. Your new pup will demand a lot of your attention and if neglected, they can get very bored, which may lead to destructive behavior.
• You lead an active lifestyle. Aside from doggie training, puppies also need a lot of activity, even on those days when the weather is bad and you’re tired. Playing with your new pup helps them burn energy, keeps them healthy, and taking your pup out with you gives him or her tons of exposure to other people, pets, smells, sights, and noises. Although some dog breeds have higher energy levels than others, every dog needs a sufficient amount of exercise.
• You are financially prepared. Make sure you are ready to tackle all the bills that come along with your new furry friend. Food, toys, vaccines, cleaning supplies spaying or neutering, vet trips, and potential professional training, dogs incur expenses from puppyhood throughout their lives. Keep in mind that unexpected stuff can happen at any time, which means more veterinarian costs that can seriously drain your pockets.
• Everyone in your family is on board. Whether you’re married with children like the people in the Reddit post, living with a significant other, or have roommates, you need to ensure everyone in your home is on the same page and is ready to accept a puppy into their lives. Discuss it together and create a plan where you outline each person’s responsibilities, as well as the puppy’s rules to ensure that things remain consistent. Not only should you get every person in your household on board, but your other pets as well!
• You’ve done your research. Arguably the most important thing you should do before bringing a puppy home is research. Different dog breeds suit different lifestyles, so take the time to analyze your living habits to find what is the best fit for your family. Look into dog food, toys, cleaning supplies, nearby vets, and daycare/boarding facilities to prep for your new furry family member and ensure you know exactly what you’re getting into.

People give up far too many dogs as it is

Image credits: Margarita Kosior (not the actual photo)

It’s hard to blame the woman for what she did. There are already too many examples of owners giving up their pups. The ASPCA estimates that roughly 3.1 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, around 710,000 are returned to their owners but 390,000 are euthanized.

According to the ASPCA’s National Rehoming Survey, “pet problems” are the most common reason that forces owners give up their pet, accounting for 47% of rehomed dogs. (Pet problems were defined as problematic behaviors, aggressive behaviors, growing larger than expected, or health problems the owner couldn’t handle.

It’s better that a person puts more effort into determining if they’re ready to own a pet before getting one than contributing to the heartbreaking statistics.

As the story went viral, the woman provided more info in the comments

People supported her and congratulated her on a difficult situation well-handled

Some shared that they used a similar test before getting a pet

Games

View all games

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!