A new puppy means a different life

Everyone says it, but I guess I didn't really realize the extent of how it would change my life. I've grown up having cats (and still have two wonderful kitties that are part of the menagerie) and always considered myself a cat person. It wasn't until I started watching a wonderful dog, Rita, that I realized dogs aren't all that bad ;) Then my brother got a little puppy, Kona, and I really started to consider getting a dog of my own. Cats and dogs are different, but both are wonderful. After I turned 25 I finally took the plunge and adopted a dog from animal services. That's how Izzy came into my life! She's a wonderful 10mo(ish) old chow chow and border collie mix. Since adopting her my life has changed. I can't say it's all been enjoyable, but overall I'm happier. And after the first few weeks (when she was chasing the cats nonstop and chewing everything in sight) it's been mostly smooth sailing. The experience is entirely different from having cats. My cats are not the typical "aloof" type - they come when called and love to be loved, but they're still largely independent.

Izzy is not. I think that's the biggest difference, and the one that causes the largest divide between cats and dogs. Recently I read a quote:

"Women and cats will do as they please. Men
and dogs should just relax and get used to it."

While the comment on gender is up for contention, I think it hits the head on the nail about how the difference between cats and dogs. And should truly be considered before bringing a new puppy into your life. You have to be ready for committing your love and your time, which are intricately linked when it comes to a dog. I love having Izzy, but I purposely adopted a dog that was already house trained and wouldn't need pee breaks every 3 hours. My life doesn't allow that. I also adopted a smaller (30lbs) dog so that she'd fit in my apartment. And I made sure she was just curious about cats (and not hungry for them).

When you adopt a dog make sure that he/she fits into your lifestyle (sedentary, active, moderate, small house, big yard, etc). And, if it's your first dog, consider adopting first (I would say always, but some people are really intent on having a purebred dog). Purebred dogs can be immensely more difficult than mutts. Not to mention the medical problems most will have as they grow. I'm not trying to say that purebreds are bad or anything, just that it may be smarter to know the basics about dogs in general before committing to one that could be problematic, both physically and mentally. Not to say all mutts are great! Definitely hang out with your dog (with the whole family) before bringing him/her home. Most dogs don't like cats... some don't like babies... even weirded, some have a preference for their owner's sex (and I say sex on purpose - dogs don't know about a person's mental perception (gender), just the chemicals they emit).

Oh, and don't forget that, in general, females are easier to care for than males! Females don't pee on everything to mark their territory, they are less aggressive, and don't hump other dogs as much. I think one of the things that most people don't realize that humping is a dominance thing, not just a sexual thing. Some males will hump other males just to say they're dominant. Same goes for females. Or between the sexes. Due to females usually being less aggressive, they are less likely to express dominance over other dogs and thus hump less. But I've definitely met a few females that are a little hump-obsessed. These are usually more aggressive breeds, and while the dogs themselves weren't aggressive, they were obviously displaying their physical prowess through this behavior. And, honestly, humping is a lot safer than fighting so I'm ok with it!

In short, think a lot about getting a dog to make sure you make the right decision for you, your family, and the puppy! Don't forget that an unhappy dog has ways of making everyone around them unhappy, too! But a happy dog can bring years of joy to everyone.