Ancient Sheepdog

　　Dogs live at least 10-15 years, sometimes even 20 years. Therefore, when you decide to adopt a pet, please understand this is a very long period. They will spend several hours each day to a full day of your life. So before starting to raise a dog, be sure to confirm the following points. Are you ready?
　　6. Is your living situation stable?
　　Are you a nomad without a fixed residence, frequently moving? Dogs often placed in changing environments become anxious and may develop abnormal behaviors, which could lead to abandonment. Also, each time you move, can you successfully rent a dog-friendly house or community? Such an uncertain life, even humans have uneasy living, let alone the ability to care well for a dog?
　　If your residence is unstable, please do not get a dog!
　　7. You are not getting a dog just to satisfy your child's request
　　Modern parents face difficulties as children frequently have various demands. Besides various trendy toys, many children see cute dogs in others' homes and beg parents to get one too. Some parents give in to the persistent pleas.
　　When the dog is first brought home, it's fresh and interesting, and children may be very attached. After a while, the novelty fades. Coupled with tedious dog care tasks, children busy with tutoring and homework have no will to help share responsibilities. Those duties fall on the parents. Even with prior agreements with children, it's ineffective. Parents are usually exhausted juggling work, child care, and housework. If they are not dog lovers themselves, how can they muster the energy to care for the dog's health and train it properly? As a result, dogs either face health issues or behavioral problems, causing greater trouble at home. At this stage, the dog is either rehomed or abandoned on the streets or shelters, ending an innocent life senselessly.
　　Therefore, dear parents, if you don't want the dog yourself, please do not get one to satisfy your child. A dog is a life, not a toy. You cannot give up or abandon it once your child grows tired!
　　8. You do not treat the dog as a gift
　　We've heard of people giving small dogs as gifts to please others — whether to someone’s child, girlfriend, or a girl they haven’t won over yet. Please, have mercy and stop doing this! Do you know if the recipient loves dogs? Even if they do, please help them evaluate the checklist here. Dogs are living beings. If you only see them as social tools, please do not adopt!
　　9. Have you done your homework before getting a dog?
　　Please do thorough homework before getting a dog. There is plenty of information online and in bookstores. Raising a dog is like raising a baby, from health care to behavioral training — all are significant matters. Those who prefer purebred dogs should investigate genetic diseases and traits to see if they fall within your tolerance. Without clear understanding, do not impulsively bring a dog home, or the unlucky one will be the innocent dog when you regret it later!
　　Recently, there is a clear rise in Beagle and Labrador abandonment trends, caused by businessmen aggressively promoting fads and consumers blindly following breed trends, leading to tragedy! Please do not become the next creator of such tragedy, okay? Regardless of whether your dog is purebred or not!
　　10. Does your residence allow dogs?
　　For dog lovers living in apartment buildings, you must check whether the building committee forbids pets. Renters need landlord consent before preparing to get a dog. Don't try secretly raising one. In time, it will be discovered, and you and your dog will be forced apart — again, the innocent dog is the unlucky one!
　　Therefore, do not get a dog without community (or landlord) permission!
　　Lastly, a reminder: Don’t think dropping an unwanted dog at a shelter is responsible. Once in a shelter, a dog's life begins the countdown. After a 7-10 day holding period, it can be euthanized without reason. Many were once beloved pets impulsively brought home by owners.
　　Will you be the next person to abandon a dog?