Williams: Do you take this dog?

When I was a participant on the television show “Greatest American Dog,” I compared the relationship with a dog to a marriage of sorts. I know that some may have been a bit taken aback by that comparison, but when examining the two relationships closely, there are many similarities.

For one, both relationships involve commitment and each party has needs and expectations. Both relationships have a honeymoon stage and evolve over time.

But most importantly, both relationships can (or at least should) last for each other’s lifetime. Therefore when we bring a pet into our lives, we really should be asking ourselves the same questions we’d ask before entering into a marriage.

1) Why are you getting a dog? This may seem like a silly question to some, but it is actually quite profound. In fact, there are some people with dogs who probably can’t even answer this basic question. Throughout my career I’ve found that people get dogs for all sorts of reasons. Some people want a dog for love and companionship. Some want a dog to perform some sort of work or job, and unfortunately some want a dog merely as a novelty or fashion accessory. If we examine why we’re getting a dog in the first place, we can have more realistic expectations.

2) How will my life change once I bring my dog home? We all have expectations of what kind of dog we want our dog to be, and which needs we want our dog to fulfill. Problems can arise when things don’t quite live up to our expectations and the feelings of disappointment can drive a wedge in the relationship. We are the responsible party in the relationship with our dog. They’re just animals. It’s entirely up to us to teach and show our dog what we expect of him or her. Dogs do not come with a moral code or concept of right or wrong. Most of the things they do that we don’t like are completely normal and reasonable for them.

3) Do you have the finances to support and provide for your dog? Taking care of a dog is a financial responsibility for the life of that dog. Barring anything out of the ordinary, yearly expenses for preventative medical care (vaccinations, flea/heartworm preventative) and food can easily reach four figures. If the dog becomes ill or gets injured, needs kenneling or pet sitting, or professional grooming, that number can increase greatly. Emergencies can and do happen, so your commitment needs to be strong enough to weather the storms.

4) Can I accept my dog “as is?” This pertains mostly to adding a rescue or shelter dog to your family. Many dogs end up in rescue because of various behavior issues. Many of those issues are the result of improper attention and training and can be helped when attended to. However, just like we shouldn’t enter a marriage expecting to be able to change our spouse, we shouldn’t necessarily expect to change our dog, either. If the behavior issue improves, great, it’s a win/win, however if it doesn’t, will you still be committed to that dog?

5) How much time do you have to devote to the relationship? Just like any relationship, your dog needs your time and attention. Dogs are social animals and contrary to popular belief, really don’t like being by themselves. Those with severe time constraints should consider a different pet like a cat, bird or fish.

My husband Mike and I will celebrate our 26th anniversary this coming July and I’ve had many people ask “what’s your secret?” The truth is, no relationship is perfect. Every relationship goes through ups and downs, good times and bad times. For us, divorce has just never been an option. We were committed to work through whatever was thrown at us, and that’s been our “secret.” Just imagine what could happen if we approached our relationships with our dogs with that same level of commitment. There’d be fewer dogs in shelters, fewer dogs euthanized every year, and most importantly we’d all experience the beauty and richness of a true love affair of the furry kind for the life of our dogs.

Laurie C. Williams is a Stafford business owner who appeared on “Greatest American Dog” with her Maltese, Andrew. Reach her at onesmartpooch@aol.com.