7 things I wish I'd known before adopting a dog

I thought Finne would eventually get used to his crate, but he didn’t. When I told friends and family how much he hated the crate, including his having accidents in it, they were shocked.

Dogs often come to see their crates as their homes — crate training appeals to dogs as den animals, according to The Humane Society of the United States. Since the crate is their den, dogs don’t usually make a mess of them.

However, The Humane Society also acknowledges that crate training isn’t a solution for dogs with separation anxiety, and they may even injure themselves trying to escape their crates to reunite with their beloved person.

Another factor that played a role in the training challenge was that dachshunds, although intelligent, are stubborn, independent, and difficult to train, according to the American Kennel Club. Once I realized this truth, I resigned myself to the fact that Finne wouldn’t be playing fetch or rolling over any time soon.

Because dachshunds have such long backs, they are susceptible to spinal injuries, according to the American Kennel Club. For the health of their backs, dachshunds should not be allowed to be overweight and should get enough exercise to develop strong supportive muscles.

Despite the best efforts of my husband and I, Finne developed Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which is a ruptured, prolapsed, slipped, herniated, or otherwise damaged disc in the spine, according to Universities Federation for Animal Welfare.

Apparently, about 25% of dachshunds get this at some point in their lives. When Finne is injured, I confine him in close quarters, like a bathroom, so he doesn’t aggravate the condition with rigorous activity. When he’s not, I keep a close eye on him, don’t let him jump off the couch, and ensure he uses a doggie ramp to reach our bed.

Dachshunds are also genetically predisposed to seizures, according to All Texas Dachshund Rescue, and, lo and behold, our poor little guy developed epilepsy a few years ago.

We spent thousands of dollars getting scans and tests to make sure a brain tumor wasn’t causing the seizures, but it turned out to be idiopathic epilepsy, which has no identifiable cause.

He's on medication three times a day to keep the seizures at bay, and the meds cost about $100 a month. He still gets a seizure once in a blue moon.

Although a larger dog is more likely to break a tooth from aggressive chewing, according to the American Kennel Club, smaller breeds are prone to tartar buildup, gum recession, and tooth loss.

Shortly after I got Finne, he had to have two teeth extracted because he originally came from a puppy mill where he wasn't taken care of properly. Now, I brush his teeth at home once a month, and he gets regular cleanings at the vet.

My vet recommended Hill's Science Diet dog food, and a 35-pound bag can set you back $40 or more. So, in a year, including treats and pill pockets for his meds, we spend about $450 to $500 on food for one dog.

This little dog with the big personality has completely stolen my heart. I've never loved an animal this much in my life, and he has my husband completely wrapped around his little finger (paw?).

He adds so much laughter and joy to our household that — despite the aforementioned challenges — I can't imagine life without our little Finnegan.