Chelsea Greenwood Lassman
The author with her husband and her dachshund, Finnegan (aka Finne).
- Dogs provide happiness, companionship, and unconditional love to owners all over the world.
- Despite the benefits of adding a new pet to your family, certain dogs can have more health problems, be more prone to anxiety, and cost more than you think - especially if you're adopting.
- Here are seven things I wish I knew before adopting a dog.
I had just broken up with my boyfriend of three years when I decided to take the plunge and adopt my first dog. When I went to the shelter and surveyed the pups up for adoption, my gaze settled on a miniature dachshund, lounging on a pillow, seemingly oblivious to the commotion around him as the other dogs jostled for my attention.
It was love at first sight, and that weekend, I took Finnegan - Finne for short - home.
That was eight years ago. And although I grew up with dogs, having one that's solely my responsibility has been a learning process. I expected nonstop cuddling and play time, but things haven't gone as smoothly as I had hoped.
Here are seven things I wish I'd known before adopting a dog.