INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Each week on Daybreak, contributors from Indianapolis Moms visit with lessons they’ve learned through their own families that might be helpful to others. This week, the conversation truly went to the dogs!
Do you want to adopt a dog but aren’t sure if you can handle the responsibility? You’re not alone, DeAndrea Beaven from Indianapolis Moms shares what she’s learned through her own family that might be helpful to you.
Beaven’s new column outlines her family’s surprising adoption of a new puppy, Emerson Giselle.
“I’m so thrilled with the decision,” Beaven said. “Everybody was shocked, though, that I got a dog, because I’m busy!”
Coming from a mom-on-the-go, Beaven boiled down her own experiences into a checklist for others to follow:
Consider the Overall Responsibility
Beaven says a reality check is essential, because a family pet is a lot of work. She urges you to make sure that everyone is on board for it, because it will take all hands on deck! And be aware that promises don’t always equate to results.
“My kids, when we got the dog, they were like, ‘Oh, we want to become more responsible.’ So (we decided) we’re going to get the dog,” she recalls. “But they haven’t! They didn’t become more responsible.”
Research the breed
In Beaven’s case, the decision to adopt a Vizsla came through time spent learning which kinds of dogs would work in her active family and not be timid when guests came over.
“You want to make sure that you research, and make sure that the puppy is good with, like, families or that the puppy doesn’t require 18 walks a day, or furthermore likes certain foods and (understanding) allergies that dogs have!”
Financially prepare
Beaven says that love is great, but dogs require a lot of financial support as well, so make sure that you are prepared for a certain amount of monetary commitment.
“Yes, when we first got (Emerson), she broke her toenail,” Beaven shared as an example of an unexpected expense. “So we had to take her to the vet and that was like a $600 vet bill!”
Adopt, don’t shop!
Beaven is a big believer in shelters like the Humane Society, which provided Emerson a microchip, a voucher for her first vet visit, and support throughout her family’s journey with an energetic new puppy.
“Oh, man, they get the zoomies!” Beaven said with a huge smile, recalling times tough and terrific. “They’re everywhere for like the first couple of months. She would run away, right? I was like, you know, this dog didn’t want to be here, but it really is just puppy behavior. Chewing. She’s chewed numerous amounts of shoes. And I mean, it’s just been a lot of responsibility, but it’s been the best responsibility. I love her so much.”
