There are many Web sites out there that provide people with a way to buy and sell different items.
I recently stumbled upon one such site and was shocked at the number of dogs people were trying to find homes for. The type of dog being sold always changes, but the reason for them being sold always remains the same: the owners just don’t have the time for one reason or another to take care of them.
It seems many people get dogs without doing any research into what is required to care for the animal. And time requirements is something that should be considered before a dog is purchased.
For example, here are a few scenarios:
• If you or your spouse is military, then deployment is a fact of life. If you can’t handle the dog and other issues after the deployment, then do not buy the dog.
• If you are a young married couple and don’t think you’ll have the time for a dog, then don’t buy one.
• The transitions necessary in your life means you will have to move. Not all places allow pets. If you are not willing or able to take the time or spend the extra money to find a place that is pet-friendly, then don’t get a pet.
• The military does not always pay to ship pets to new duty stations. If you are not willing or able to pay for the transportation, then don’t buy the dog.
• Veterinarian bills can be high – even on base. If you aren’t willing to absorb these costs, then a pet is not for you.
• Many people have allergies or may develop allergies to dogs. It is a good idea to get tested to see what you are allergic to. If you can’t be sure you will not develop an allergy to dogs, then don’t get one.
Also, there are a few other things to consider when buying a dog.
• Having a dog is like having an infant. It will depend on you for food, shelter and medical care, among many other things. Most of all, it needs your love and leadership.
• Dogs need daily exercise. This means getting out of the house.
• Dogs may need obedience classes. This teaches a dog basic commands and also creates a strong bond between the dog and its owner.
• Dogs also need to be housebroken. If you like a nice, clean house and don’t want to clean up after a dog, then buying one is a bad idea.
• Many dogs grow to be larger than a 2-year-old child in just six months. If you are worried about a dog hurting your child, then either don’t buy a dog or consider a smaller breed.
It is not my intention to imply that people should not get dogs or to tell people what they should or should not do. I am simply urging everyone to think before they enter into what should be a
lifelong commitment.
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News for the Ramstein, Kaiserslautern, Landstuhl & Baumholder military communities in Germany 
There are many Web sites out there that provide people with a way to buy and sell different items.
I recently stumbled upon one such site and was shocked at the number of dogs people were trying to find homes for. The type of dog being sold always changes, but the reason for them being sold always remains the same: the owners just don’t have the time for one reason or another to take care of them.
It seems many people get dogs without doing any research into what is required to care for the animal. And time requirements is something that should be considered before a dog is purchased.
For example, here are a few scenarios:
• If you or your spouse is military, then deployment is a fact of life. If you can’t handle the dog and other issues after the deployment, then do not buy the dog.
• If you are a young married couple and don’t think you’ll have the time for a dog, then don’t buy one.
• The transitions necessary in your life means you will have to move. Not all places allow pets. If you are not willing or able to take the time or spend the extra money to find a place that is pet-friendly, then don’t get a pet.
• The military does not always pay to ship pets to new duty stations. If you are not willing or able to pay for the transportation, then don’t buy the dog.
• Veterinarian bills can be high – even on base. If you aren’t willing to absorb these costs, then a pet is not for you.
• Many people have allergies or may develop allergies to dogs. It is a good idea to get tested to see what you are allergic to. If you can’t be sure you will not develop an allergy to dogs, then don’t get one.
Also, there are a few other things to consider when buying a dog.
• Having a dog is like having an infant. It will depend on you for food, shelter and medical care, among many other things. Most of all, it needs your love and leadership.
• Dogs need daily exercise. This means getting out of the house.
• Dogs may need obedience classes. This teaches a dog basic commands and also creates a strong bond between the dog and its owner.
• Dogs also need to be housebroken. If you like a nice, clean house and don’t want to clean up after a dog, then buying one is a bad idea.
• Many dogs grow to be larger than a 2-year-old child in just six months. If you are worried about a dog hurting your child, then either don’t buy a dog or consider a smaller breed.
It is not my intention to imply that people should not get dogs or to tell people what they should or should not do. I am simply urging everyone to think before they enter into what should be a
lifelong commitment.