What are some things to take into consideration prior to getting a puppy?

Wow, so many things to consider, I think my list could go on forever. But here's where I'd start: 1. How big will the dog get?

2.Is the dog breed good with children? 3. Can I afford to help the dog if a medical emergency arises (surgeries, medications, xrays, etc.)?

4. Do I have time to train and care for the dog--taking it on walks, playing with it? 5.Do I have the yard and space for a dog?6.

Will I want this dog 10 or 15 years from now?7. Can I handle pee on the carpet for the next year? 8.Is a puppy I want available from a shelter or the Humane Society?9.

Will my kids be kind to a dog?10. Can I handle it if the puppy chews up some of my things?...and maybe the most important question of all: 11.Is there realllllly a good reason that I couldn't adopt a mature dog in need from a shelter or rescue group? Mature dogs are already trained, neutered, and are desperate for a "forever home" of love and compassion.

Those dogs have already been through so much, and most of them are GOOD dogs who need a family. Forget the puppies, get a dog who needs someone to love. Rescue a dog.

The previous post are great. From my personal experience, I would like to point out the importance of picking out a healthy dogs|dog or puppies|puppy. When you look for puppies, you should evaluate the living conditions and overall health of the dog.

Check the back end to see if there is any staining or signs of diarrhea. Avoid dogs that seem to be clumsy or has problems standing. With your sister-in-law having children, the last thing you want is to bring in a sick a puppy.It will really hurt their feelings if Rex passes on two or three weeks after bringing him home.

If your sister-in-law is like me, the last thing I would need is a 1,200 veterinarian bill. I would recommended if you get a dog from an animal shelter, to get one that is older for the other reasons already mentioned, but also to rule out the treat of parvovirus. The family sounds active, but this is what happens with an active family.

If they pick out a dog that matches their activity level, they should include the dog. If not, when they return home, they will find that dog is constantly chewing and destroying everything they own of boredom.My sister is having this problem with her dogs right now. She has two that are barely a year old.

Her husband deployed and she got a job to stay busy. Well, those dogs are destroying my parents house because she never spends time with them now. It's a huge problem.

If they travel a great deal, they should take that into account as well.My sister can't even travel for long periods of time due to her big babies.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.