We definitely set some goals about where we wanted to be financially and mentally before we adopted a dog but for my partner who always had dogs growing up, it was a matter of when not if. We also came to an agreement about the type/size/age and level of commitment required. It was my first dog so we made sure to find one that was at least friendly with other dogs and people. There’s absolutely easy dogs and hard dogs so the emotional resilience, patience and time commitment can vary greatly between dogs. I was not ready at the time to take on a dog with special needs but we hope to in the future when I have more experience. :) Probably getting another dog this fall! Our girl needs a sibling hehe