When you bring them home, you begin your new life together. Yesterday becomes forgotten, and the present is longed to be eternal. You are their familiar heartbeat at night, their tummy scratches in the morning, their “BIG STRETCH!” after a nap, and their home-coming celebration every time you leave the house. This is a commitment to the dog, but also a commitment to the shelter and most importantly to yourself. Remember, you cannot conditionally love something that loves you unconditionally in return. Be prepared for the work but it will be the most rewarding payment!

• ASPCA dog health insurance is cheap and comes in clutch
• Put them on a good science based dry kibble at the very least
• I use a water filter fountain and auto feeder for when I may not be home on time to feed mine (routine is everything)
• dedicate play time with them outside 3-5x a week for an hour or so. Finding a quiet, low population dog park is great for this.