How I did it: I asked my landlord if I could get a small dog.  They agreed.  I started looking at local adoption groups and ended up responding to an ad on Craigslist for a Humane Society shelter down in North Carolina.  They had posted pics because they work with a rescue group up here.  I talked to them about one of the dogs I had seen, and he seemed like a good fit.  And he is! 

Lessons & tips: Save up the money now - it will cost more than you think.  There are some things you can save money on (clearance sale toys/leashes, make your own bed(s), I bought heavy ceramic bowls from the dollar store for his food and water dishes) but there are things you can't - medicine, vet bills and quality food.

Also realize that the dog will need a lot of time - if you have a yard you can let him out in great, but most dogs need a good walk at least once a day, along with some play time/snuggle time.  You also need to honest with yourself about how much you are home.  If you like to go out a lot, maybe a dog is not the right pet for you.  If you like to travel, a dog is probably not right for you, unless you go in the car/rv and the dog goes with you.  Find a trusted neighbor, boarder or friend who can take care of your dog if you have an emergency. 

I personally find taking care of my dog can sometimes be difficult, as a young single woman with no family nearby.  Maybe that's why single girls are known to have cats instead!  I love my dog but it can be a pain to know that I can't go take a day trip into the city or just go off for a long weekend because there is no one else to take care of him.  So think of your lifestyle before you get a dog. There are lots of dogs that get cruelly taken to kill shelters because people don't think about these things before buying that cute puppy.

Also be honest with yourself and with the rescue group (or breeder but please adopt!) about what sort of dog you want.  What do you want to do with him?  Go jogging or channel surf?  If you live in an apartment you should get a breed/animal that is quiet.  Think about grooming requirements - it can get time consuming or expensive depending on if you do it yourself or have someone else do it. 

Resources: Petfinder.com.  Local rescue groups.  Craigslist.

Oct 11, 2010, 02:46PM PDT | 1 comment | 14 cheers