An honest set of questions to ask before you fall in love with a photograph. Sometimes the kindest answer is not yet.
We would rather talk someone out of a dog today than take one back in six months. So here are the questions we ask, and the ones worth asking yourself.
Time
How many hours will the dog be alone on a normal weekday? Four is manageable for most adult dogs. Eight, every day, is not fair to any of them without help.
Money
Beyond food, budget for vaccinations, parasite treatment, grooming, insurance and an emergency fund. Vet bills arrive without warning and rarely at a convenient moment.
Stability
Are you moving soon? Changing jobs? Expecting a baby? None of these rule out a dog, but all of them change what kind of dog will cope.
Household agreement
Everyone who lives with you needs to want this, not merely tolerate it. The person most reluctant will end up doing some of the work.
The next decade
A dog you take home this year will still be with you in ten. Picture your life then, not just now.
If the answer is not yet
That is a good answer, and a responsible one. The dogs will still be here, and so will we. Come back when the timing is right and we will help you properly.