Of all household pets, DOGS REQUIRE THE MOST FROM THEIR OWNERS. Therefore, all potential dog owners need to ask - and to answer honestly - the following questions:
Will I be responsible for the dog? Am I willing to make this commitment for the next sixteen years?
Do I have the time? Am I ready to take time EVERY DAY FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE to feed, water, exercise, groom, train and love him?
Can I afford a lifetime of care, including food, supplies, licenses, veterinary care, flea treatments and boarding kennels?
Do I know the adult size of the dog?
Where will the dog spend his days and nights? Some dogs do NOT live comfortably outside. Am I willing to bring him inside? Where will he stay and I travel? If I move, will I be willing and able to keep him?
If you can say "yes" - and mean it - to all of these questions, this may be the right time for you to become a dog owner. Perhaps you can make these commitments but for a shorter time span. If so, fostering a dog (for Collie Rescue, we hope!) is a good way to experience pet ownership on a short-term basis (for a few weeks or months).
For more information about adopting a rescue collie, please consider ordering the Adopt-a-Collie Video. It tells you everything you need know about adopting a collie from a rescue group. The video is also great for shows and for use by other rescue orginizations.
Breeders and rescuers all want to place dogs into responsible, loving homes. If you are considering dog ownership, please help yourself and your dog by being informed and careful - know thyself!
Send questions or comments to
info.collie@gmail.com