MANS BEST ASSET OR GREATEST LIABILITY

You don't have to have children to know exactly what I'm going to say. However, children are more apt to say these four little words. "I want a dog." Maybe a friend's family pet has some pups they want to give away. Perhaps they saw the cute little doggie in the window at the pet store. Maybe the neighborhood stray decided to visit your yard to say "Hello" and the kids just fell in love with him, or maybe her. Be as it may, the day will come. The question is, are dogs man's best friend or greatest liability?

Let me start off by saying, having a pet is extremely fun. In this case I'm talking about a dog. I underlined that phrase because I don't want anyone out there to think that I am not a dog lover. My point here is this. Dogs are extremely fun. They make incredible companions and when a family chooses the right dog that blends with them, it transforms into a deep rooted relationship. They become one of the family. Sure dogs are great play-mates, motivators for those who might decided to skip a walk on a thirty degree day, and they make great blankets for our feet at night. These furry friends evoke so much excitement and joy in a household, well they should.

My wife and I had a basset hound and she was part of our little family. When our son came along, she accepted him as another addition to the family. She indeed was a fun and exciting addition to our family. I've never seen a dog with such a personality as our basset Mandy. The fun par was indeed sharing the time we had with her that we did have.

When we purchase a home, a car for example, we fall in love with the look, style and in the case of a house, location. We forget to think about the "housekeeping" details such as property taxes, up-keep and the typical responsibility types of issues that we often forget about when our emotions are guiding us. As with any purchase, when we decided that we want a furry addition to the family, we must forget the cute black nose and warm cushy coat and look at the important factors that some may consider a liability.

First, one should chose a pet that will blend with their family. I would guess that a pit bull would be a bad fit with small children. A beagle or basset hound on the other hand would be an incredible fit. These are just examples. Second, study the breed if you can. If you're purchasing a "mutt" then it would be difficult to study. Study the breed. Learn about any health issues and temperament issues. Also consider vet bills, shots, food, toys.

With anything fun comes responsibility and that's good. The good new, responsibility doesn't have to serve as a liability. Just as children are an asset rather than a liability, mans best friend though a responsibility can indeed serve as his greatest asset. So where do we go from here?

As I reflect upon my experience, I would certainly say that our attitude determines whether dog ownership serves as an asset or liability. Dog ownership works for some and others it doesn't. Once you decided upon the fact that a dog is a great asset, the day will arrive when you must either give up your furry friend and say goodbye whether through their passing away, or when circumstances arise and they must find a new family to love on them.

When my wife and I moved from our house to another city, we couldn't take Mandy with us. We were moving into an apartment that didn't take dogs. We adopted her to someone that would take great care of her, and she now serves as a great asset to another family. Was this tough? You bet. In fact, as a man who doesn't cry much, I struggle until this day, two years later, with the pain of the ordeal. However, we had to do this for career training. Sometimes families give up a pet for health reasons. Maybe the anxious dog owner didn't realize that they had allergies to dogs. These tough times do arise.

It's time to decide. Do the costs or responsibilities outweigh the fun or does the fun outweigh the responsibilities? This will determine whether a dog serves as a liability or an asset. As I mentioned, dog ownership doesn't serve as a good fit for everyone especially if health reasons play a part in this equation. If we put the heath issues aside and look Solly at the responsibility in the dogs care, does Fido serve as an asset or liability?

For my wife and I, Many was an asset. She was a great companion. So when these four little words meet your ears, sit down count the costs and make a rational decision. Then and only then can your new furry friend become man's greatest asset.