Adopting a dog is a huge lifestyle change, which means it can be a revelation that adds a wonderful, exciting, loving new dimension or it can backfire horribly. Thankfully, you don't need to throw yourself in the deep end.
You can test whether you're going to enjoy owning a dog by offering to help others pet-sit. Elderly people, for example, may be very happy to have you come by twice a day for a half-hour walk. Or you may have a friend who wants to go on holiday and who is happy to save kennel fees.
If taking care of a pet every day for a month still has you happy and excited, you can consider if you are up to committing to full-time ownership. Should you decide that the constant walks, fur explosions, and being accompanied even when you shower is just too much, that's also awesome because you know your limits.
You can still get your happy time in lots of different ways. For example, all shelters need volunteers to walk the dogs and to play with them. When Covid is over, you can sign up for a regular slot or work out a system whereby you arrange to drop by when you have time.
If you want to do more, you might learn to foster dogs. That is a little more specialist because you are essentially keeping a pet until they find their forever home. It comes with an emotional cost if you bond too much with your charges. While it's a hugely charitable option, think it over thoroughly before you jump in.
If volunteering is too far away and fostering is too much, talk to dog owners in your neighbourhood and ask if you can be a Walk Buddy. With walkies being quite a duty, you're bound to be able to pick up a position as Dog Godparent. Win-win, right?
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
