The WRONG Reason
Because you are lonely

The decision to adopt a dog should not be based on your
immediate emotional needs. If you are going through a
difficult emotional time, you cannot expect a pet to resolve
the problem or to act as a temporary buffer.

The RIGHT Reason
When you want a companion to share your life

Dogs are wonderful companions, but adding a dog to your
life means making a long-term commitment to the animal,
even through the normal short-term changes that occur in life,
such as moving. Adopting a new friend will work best if you
already have a stable home.

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The WRONG Reason
To teach a child how to be responsible

Taking care of a dog can be a lot of work. It is unrealistic for
adults to expect a child to take on all the responsibilities that
dog ownership demands, nor should adults use the animal
strictly as a teaching tool.

The RIGHT Reason
When everyone in the household wants a dog

Before bringing a new dog home, household members should be
in favor of the adopting and agree to share in the responsibilities
of dog ownership. Although parents should be the main caretakers,
children can learn pet responsibility without becoming overwhelmed
if they are given specific jobs, such as walking or feeding their pet.

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The WRONG Reason
Because you feel sorry for a dog in a pet shop or shelter

Pity is a poor reason for getting a dog. If you do, you may have
to give up your new pet anyway, since a pity-based decision is
not based on realistic expectations, commitment, or a thorough
understanding of what your pet's needs are.

The RIGHT Reason
When you understand what pet responsibility means

You should not adopt a dog based on an emotional impulse or whim.
Before bringing a dog home, educate yourself about pet responsibility
and the kind of dog that would best fit your lifestyle. Careful research,
honest reflection, and education are the keys to keeping a dog and
avoiding the tragedy of having to give the animal up.

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The WRONG Reason
Because you think your home needs protection

If you only want to adopt a dog to guard your home, you are better
off getting an alarm system. Reliable protection dogs often require
more extensive training, socialization and exercise than other dogs.
They are often not appropriate family pets.

The RIGHT Reason
When you think of your dog as a family pet

Unless trained by professionals for special jobs or situations, dogs
should be considered companion pets and should be given daily
attention, care, and basic behavior training to make them welcome
in society and in your home. Training your dog will not only help you
communicate better with your pet; it will help ensure that the relationship
will last.

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The WRONG Reason
As a surprise gift

Dogs should be considered family members and not as objects
or "gifts." Never buy a dog for someone as a surprise. Getting a
dog for someone that is not prepared or in agreement with the
adoption may cause the animal to end up in a shelter or in a
home where he or she is not wanted.

The RIGHT Reason
When you know animals should not be disposable

Remember that animals are not disposable. They bond deeply with
those they love, and should be treated as family members, not
as articles of clothing that can easily be exchanged or returned.
If you want to give someone a dog as a gift, make sure the recipient
meets the dog and understands and agrees to the responsibility
of dog ownership.