Guess Who has a Birthday Today?
Today is Mookie’s birthday! He is “2”! He is the love of my life and he saved my life. Here is some information that I want to share with you; the positives and negatives of getting a puppy!
Puppies are often seen as the epitome of cuteness and can bring a lot of joy and happiness to their owners. However, owning a puppy is not just about having a cute and cuddly companion. It is a big responsibility that requires a lot of time, effort, and resources. Here are some reasons why you may want to consider getting a puppy:
- Companionship: One of the main reasons we get puppies is for companionship. Puppies can provide a sense of connection and help alleviate feelings of loneliness. They can be a constant presence in your life and provide unconditional love and support. Mookie is for me!
- Exercise: Owning a puppy can be a great way to motivate yourself to get out and about and get some exercise. Taking your puppy for walks or runs can help improve your physical health and mental well-being. Holds true for Mookie and me!
- Emotional support: For some people, having a puppy can provide emotional support and help reduce stress and anxiety. The presence of a furry companion can be soothing and help improve mental health. When I was having some challenging medical issues, Mookie was there for me.
- Teaching responsibility: Owning a puppy can be a great way to teach children (and adults) about responsibility. Caring for a living creature helps develop important life skills such as patience, empathy, and time management.
- Security: Some puppies can be trained as guard dogs and can provide an extra layer of security for your home.
- Therapy: Some puppies can be trained as therapy dogs and can provide comfort and support to those in need, such as children with disabilities or people recovering from surgery. While Mookie is not a therapy dog, he puts smiles on so many people’s faces!
- Breeding: If you are interested in breeding, getting a puppy can be a way to start your own breeding program. However, it is important to do extensive research and be prepared to make the necessary commitments before breeding puppies.
- Competition: If you are interested in competing in dog shows or other dog-related competitions, getting a puppy can be a way to start training for these events.
It is important to keep in mind that owning a puppy is a significant commitment and requires a lot of care and attention. Puppies need to be fed, groomed, and taken to the vet regularly. They also need to be trained and socialized, which can take time and effort. Make sure you are prepared to make the necessary commitments before bringing a puppy into your life.
Some tips to raising a confident puppy!
I was blessed to bring Mookie into my home on April 3, 2021. He is my best friend and actually help to save my life. I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and he was with me every minute after I had surgery and follow up radiation treatments. But it’s not always easy having a puppy. Here are some thoughts….
Here are a few reasons why you may want to reconsider getting a puppy:
- Puppies require a lot of time and attention. They need to be trained, exercised, and played with on a regular basis. If you don’t have the time or energy to devote to a puppy, it may not be the right decision for you.
- Puppies can be expensive. In addition to the initial cost of purchasing a puppy, there are also ongoing expenses such as food, vet bills, and supplies.
- Puppies can be destructive. It is natural for puppies to chew and explore their environment, which can lead to damaged furniture and household items. Mookie was never distructive!
- Puppies require training and socialization. Training a puppy takes patience and consistency, and it is important to start socializing them at an early age to ensure they are well-behaved and comfortable around people and other animals. Training takes place everyday with Mookie even though he is now 2.
- Puppies are a long-term commitment. Dogs can live for over a decade, so getting a puppy means committing to caring for it for a significant portion of your life.
It’s important to carefully consider whether getting a puppy is the right decision for you and your lifestyle. If you’re not ready for the time and financial commitment, you may want to consider adopting an older dog or even a different type of pet that is better suited to your needs.
Note – I was very fortunate! When Mookie was a puppy he was with me 24 hours a day. He was so easy to train and didn’t do anything destructive.
Additional Information about raising a puppy.
Do you have a furry friend story that you want to share? Send to info@suncoastpost.com along with some photos. Our editors will review and hopefully we can share your story!
Sande Caplin Photos