Should you get a dog?

A while back, I was going through the comments on an awww-inspiring dog video (you know, the ones where a dog is irresistibly cute, or unbelievably saintly) and was alarmed to find that a number of people were deciding to bring home pet dogs based on the feelings inspired in them by the video. 

A noble thought, no doubt. But is it always a practical one? I doubt it. 

So I went and posted this status message on my Facebook profile:

I feel alarmed when I see people going 'awww' and 'ooh' over videos of 'angelic' dogs performing various humanitarian feats. Please do not decide to get a dog based on your reactions to these videos. Dogs are not angels in disguise. Yes, they are not susceptible to most human flaws. Yes, they are capable of showing much, much more loyalty than most people. But that doesn't take away from the fact that they can be destructive, violent and selfish (towards dogs and humans alike).

On good days, you'll share incredibly special moments with your dog and make a video of your own.

On bad days, the same dog will have chewed through your expensive couch, your favorite pair of shoes, money, clothes. It will be capable of fiercely biting you or your child if it feels threatened or irritated.

If you're getting a dog, make sure you're prepared to take responsibility in good times, and bad.

More importantly, make sure you're ready to let the dog be a dog. Don't expect it to become your redemption.

If, however, you still feel compelled to get a dog, here's a list of questions you should answer as truthfully as possible - to yourself.

  

1. Is there enough space in your home for a dog? It might be a puppy now, but it will grow into a bounding adult dog sooner than you think. If you live in an apartment, do you have a large-ish balcony that the puppy can use as a toilet until it is old enough to be taken outside? 
2. Do you have enough money to properly care for a dog? From my experience as long-time dog owner, dog medicines, food and accessories cost quite a bit of money. For example, a month's supply of Pedigree will set you back by 1200 rupees. A medium sized crate (which is a great way to toilet train dogs & keep them from becoming destructive) will cost you around 9000 rupees. A larger crate can go up to 20,000 rupees. Some dog vaccines cost 750 rupees a shot. Spaying/Neutering surgeries cost anywhere between 2500-5000 rupees.
3. Are you willing to set aside time from your work/social responsibilities? A new puppy or dog will probably require you to cancel many a party, movie, date and/or vacation. Can you make these sacrifices without developing grudges towards the dog?
4. Despite your best efforts, your new dog/puppy will probably destroy some of your favorite & important possessions (laptop wires, remote controls, shoes, clothes, pillows/cushions). Are you ready to deal with the frustration & inconvenience that this will cause, without taking it out on the dog?
5. A lot of dogs are abandoned because of behavior problems that the owner is unable to deal with or correct. Are you willing to invest time & patience in learning about dog behavior & effective dog training? Are you willing to confront neighbours who might not like dogs and might complain at the slightest opportunity?
6. If you decide to move cities or countries for career-related or personal reasons, what will happen to the dog? Transporting a dog both domestically & internationally is expensive, and in many cases, stressful. 
7. Your dog is still your dog when it grows old and infirm. Are you the kind of person who can take care of an elderly dog? Things you'll need to do might include cleaning wounds, cleaning poop, piss and vomit and/or having to physically shift a dog from place to place if it is unable to move. 

If these questions are making you think again about getting a dog, don't feel guilty about it. There are many ways to show your love and support for dogs without actually having one. Think of it this way - many of us love children, but not all of us want to have them. In the long run, it is infinitely better (for all parties involved) to not get a dog if you're not 100% ready. Infact, you can help them better by donating money to animal charities, by volunteering at shelters or by participating in events that spread awareness on animal causes. Thanks to the ever-present stray population in India, you can also semi-own stray dogs in your own locality by giving them food everyday (make sure they don't follow you home though!) and getting them spayed/neutered to prevent future generations being born on the streets.