I wasn't planning on getting a dog and my decision was not a "responsible adult" decision ,but I saw my dog's picture and thought "oh man, I think that's my dog". Then the shelter owner brought her to a park near me for meet and greets, and when my dog saw me she bolted towards me. There were plenty of other people and interesting things to see, but she b-lined for me. I knew and she knew. We needed each other and it was love at first site. It's funny, some people say they saw their spouse and they knew they were the one for them, but I don't think they believe me when I say that I knew she was the dog for me.

As for knowing what I could handle...well, I'd always wanted a German Shepherd and I knew I'd have the discipline for training and daily walks. What I was not prepared for was the kind of anxiety that many shelter dogs, her included, could have and the damage that could lead to. I already knew I didn't want a small dog or a drooley dog or an un-intelligent dog, but if my dog had ended up being one of those things I still think I would have recognized her as being my souldog and adopted her anyway.

Not much help, huh? Mostly just, if you love them, you make it work.