There are a lot of things I wish I had known before adopting Shiva. I especially wish someone had informed me of all the little necessities to stock up on. While we had bowls, leashes, toys, and plenty of food, little did I know I would need a lot more than that to get through the first six months. Here on Rescued Insanity, I like to do what I can to support dog owners who may be as clueless as I. The following list is designed to aid those who are bringing a dog home for the first time. Especially if that dog comes from a shelter or rescue organization and is slightly insane.
What to Buy Before Adopting a (Crazy) Dog
1. Band-aids – Not for the dog, but for you. Chances are the dog will have no leash experience and will probably pull. Not only does this injure your shoulder, but it can do a number on your hands. I was prepared for the arm-out-of-socket feeling but I had no idea about the blood. Or the calluses.
2. Leather gloves – See above.
3. A top-of-the-line vacuum - This may be obvious to some people but I thought that adopting a dog with short-hair meant shedding wouldn’t be a large problem. Turns out, my short-hair dog sheds more than my Siberian Husky ever did. Furthermore, the first few weeks can be very stressful for your new dog, which means he or she may be losing more fur than normal. It’s a lot easier to handle if you have a vacuum that doesn’t make you swear.
4. Clothes, especially pants, that match the fur of your dog – See above.
5. Really, really cheap shoes – For the first six months it’s a good idea to store the Christian Louboutins under lock and key. The cheaper the shoes, the less you will cry when your new dog strews pieces of them all over your living room floor.
6. Locks for cabinets, bathrooms, closets, garbage cans, laundry baskets, and refrigerators – Even if you don’t think your dog can open that cupboard door above the stove, lock it anyway.
7. An easy to clean living room rug – Or a really cheap rug that is easy to replace. Or, even better, just get rid of all rugs entirely. After last summer’s case of mild heat stroke, I was so thankful we’d gotten our area rug for free.
8. Ear plugs – Your dog may take awhile to adjust to sleeping in a new place. If you are determined not to give in to the cries, these may help.
9. Gas Mask – Not necessary really, but it wouldn’t hurt. Especially for practically husbands who have never even changed a diaper.
10. Sweatshirts with pockets – It would be even better if every item of clothing you own has a pocket on it somewhere. Preferably extra deep ones.
11. Super understanding neighbours, or neighbours with a yappy dog of their own – I realise this may not always be possible but if your neighbours aren’t “dog people” you may have a battle on your hands. Many rescue dogs suffer from mild separation anxiety and this is something that takes a lot of time to work on. We lucked out in that our neighbours have a yappy little yorkie and so didn’t complain too much about our dog’s six months of howling.
12. Tylenol – Wine works too. By the caseload if you can manage it.
13. Marriage counsellor – This may not be necessary right away but if you are the kind of person who “can’t have just one” it may become more essential later on. It’s always good to keep it on your radar!
14. A cell phone – You probably have one already but let this serve as a reminder to have it with you at all times when you are out. Once you have a dog of your own, other dogs have this knack of finding you when they are lost. They seem to sense you won’t be able to ignore them without feeling really guilty. It’s easier to find the dog’s home if you have means of communication on hand.
And, most important of all…
15. Towels. Lots and lots of towels.
I do hope this list doesn’t dissuade anyone from adoption. That was hardly my intention. Every dog is different and you may find some of these items superfluous. But I feel it’s my responsibility to be upfront about such things. The way I wish people had been upfront with me. Besides, if any of the above makes you nervous, you may not be ready for a canine companion after all. Perhaps a cat is more your speed. I’ve never heard of a kitten eating designer shoes.
If you have a second and are interested in winning a set of gorgeous juniper fetching sticks from Molly Products, make sure to check out Shiva’s featured K9 Kamp post at Peggy’s Pet Place. You won’t be disappointed!
Happy Friday!
This is a great list! Definitely lots of things that people wouldn’t think about before bringing home new pup (but should). Great list!
One thing I would add is a Kong (or other durable stuffable toy). I honestly think every adopted dog should go home with one… makes life easier for people and dog alike!
Tena @ Success Just Clicks recently posted..There’s WHAT in your Kong?!
lol, this list is hilarious because it’s true! Although since my dogs are all different colors, I have yet to find a solution to the fur-on-pants problem. I guess that’s my bad though for not adopting dogs that are all the same color.
kate recently posted..12 Weeks to Better Photos: Week Two, ISO & Shutter Speed
That’s a good list! And I’m remembering right now, with a new foster pup in the house, how much the crate is my friend.
Wish I’d been more diligent about crating with foster dogs past–the worst was when one of them ate my boyfriend’s passport!
Kirsten recently posted..Fozzie LOVES his new girlfriend
Another must is a camera – because you really have to share all the cute things the new member of your family does
Love it. Now no one can say they weren’t warned before hand.
Jan recently posted..Wild Kingdom: Wilson, Kiki and Bella channel their inner wolf
Oh the TOWELS. Not so much when we adopted Oly, but pretty much all we did the first couple months with Stella was laundry. And swear. Swearing and laundry. Life with a new dog.
Ashley, the Accidental Olympian recently posted..SO, THIS IS IT?
So funny! We were thinking of doing a post for new dog owners about the bare essentials you need before adopting your dog, but yours is much funnier.
Two Pitties in the City recently posted..How to Be a Tourist with Your Dog: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Don’t forget air freshener (for all the smells), frozen peas (for that shoulder) and CHOCOLATE
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com
Kari recently posted..Book Review: The Loved Dog: The Playful, Nonaggressive Way to Teach Your Dog Good Behavior
Haha could not agree more! You also need a back up cell phone in case your new dog eats the first one
We have had fosters do this before; yes I said fosters, because apparently we are slow learners!
Heather recently posted..Sweet Gentle Topaz & First Real Food
Great list. Think it would be the same list if you were having a baby:)
Throw in a spare pair of eye glasses or tow for when yours get chewed up!
Thanks for the laugh!
I’d add that if you can get the airline sized bottles of liquor, they come in really handy. Inconspicuous and very effective! =) Thanks so much for including our badge on your blog. Love the new design. Very bright and cheerful.
Can’t stop laughing. Definitely one of your best posts and oh so true!
2browndawgs recently posted..Is That A Bear?
Most excellent list! Even though I have owned and raised a few dogs, I forgot the ear plugs when we brought Dexter home. Let’s just say that puppy’s first night was not so great for Sean & I.
My solution for shoes is to lock them all up in the hall closet and NEVER leave them out. Shoes weren’t a big attraction for Jersey but Dexter is just fascinated by shoes. Every time that closest opens, he’s right in there, dragging out my work boots. The joys of raising a puppy…
Karen Friesecke recently posted..Dog A Day Project – Fall Is In The Air
I have a weakness for dogs. I totally understand and agree all these things are needed. I fostered for a while. I had to stop because the property damage, the counseling bills(kidding), and the inability to part with any I fostered caused a big problem.
The sad thing is many people take a shelter dog with the misunderstanding that life will be easy…these dogs come with problems. The goal is to work through these together.
I would pleased you made these points with humor. The rewards that are gained from a rescue dog, soon outweigh the problems.
Great post.
Gail Williams recently posted..Shelling Peas With Aunt Marcy…
LOL, I love this post. It’s so darn true! Good job!
Kolchak and Jodi recently posted..So Ashamed Mama. So. Ashamed.
LOL! Great post….
Love it…”wine works too”
Oh, the bleeding hands. I remember them well.
My husband suggested I buy a leather leash when I adopted Shadow the Pulling Wonder and it was my smartest purchase–much easier on the hands than nylon webbing.
BTW, instead of marriage counseling, have you considered having your trainer friend “click and treat” your PH if he starts getting out of line? I’m sure it’s much cheaper.
Pamela recently posted..Lessons in Grace – The Idealists vs the Realists
Ha ha, so right. And hey apart from Poodles, which breed doesn’t shed hair exackery. At least it sorts out your friends real quick. If you don’t like designer dog hair, don’t come in!!!
Bodie & Magoo recently posted..AGILITY WEEKEND
These are great tips! Um definitely need the aspirin and bandaids. Without those, you will be beat up!
Awesome list … or you could adopt a retired racing Greyhound and not need half the items;) I think you’d only need #10 and #14, plus a constant supply of op shop duvets:)
Greyhounds CAN Sit recently posted..Duvet Destruction
Love it – especially the gas mask!
Elizabeth recently posted..A Less-Adoptable Carol (Because Even Scrooge Ought to Love Us)
Excellent list! Isn’t it funny how lost dogs always seem to find you . . happens to me all the time
Julie recently posted..Looking for the Good
Ha! Ha! Ha! Love!
I can’t relate to the need for bandaids (Thank God) but I sure can relate to the rug (Jasper went through 4 of them), the need for a good vaccum (like you, I had no idea Daisy would be the worst of the shedders in my home), really cheap shoes (and socks!) and a sweatshirt with deep pockets.
Now why don’t they give owners THIS list when they adopt? Oh yeah. They might change their minds.
Awesome post Kristine.
melF recently posted..Daisy – My Stress Gauge-O-Meter
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Great list! I can totally relate to many of these. A good vaccum is indeed essential – even now, tumbleweeds of Bella hair are growing and blowing across my floor.
Pup Fan recently posted..Jump around: Meet the canine jump rope champions
The cat will not eat your shoes, but she will destroy the sofa. It’s a trade-off.
Yeah. I have enough Visa points for a Dyson, but I haven’t ordered yet ’cause I’d rather use the points for a trip out west.
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