Everyone Should Get A Xander
Oops! In true Yoberts fashion we are procrastinating something we should do.... with something we'd rather do!
What we should do: write about our Summer of weddings, travel, and fun!
What we'd rather do: write about getting a dog! because we have Xander... and we think he's the cutest ever.
To recap, Xander came into our lives in March 2015.
Since then, He's graduated kindergarten:
Yes, we know. We raised a genius! IQ aside, having a dog for a child has been quite the learning experience. So if you're thinking about taking the plunge into parenthood or simply expanding your family, we have some learnéd insights to share.
How do I even find a dog?
Whether you choose to adopt or use a trusted breeder, do extensive research. While we don't recommend spur of the moment decisions - we definitely understand that instant bonds happen and shouldn't be denied. Truly, we know some of the cutest - best dogs who's owners weren't expecting to find them and did. It's amazing, we love it, and if you meet the one - trust your heart!!!. We knew early on a Wheaten Terrier was best for not only our lifestyle but also our raging allergies! We pursued several adoption options like Wheaten Terrier Rescue (which we still recommend) although ultimately we found a breeder in Connecticut who's main priority was the health of her dogs and their puppies. It was a situation we hadn't expected but we were also included in conversations surrounding docking the litter's tails (which we adamantly said NO NO NO to) Moments like this, and questions like this, are so much easier if you put in the due diligence of researching. Google as much as you possibly can & follow your heart. Don't rush the decision, with some dogs it can be a 15+ year companion!
Puppies (dogs) are expensive.
We're not talking about adoption fees or fees in general. We're literally talking about day to day, non-negotiable needs. Xander takes a heart worm and flea medication every month, which can already run about $50 - $120+ for 6 pills depending on brand and source. If you adopt a puppy or an unvaccinated dog, expect a very expensive first year. You can get pet insurance, but most do not cover these very basic and necessary needs. We spent $1,410 from March 15, 2015 - Sept 1, 2015 in only vet bills. That number does not include neutering which ultimately occurred when Xander was 18 months old. We aren't bajillionaires (we wish) and ultimately you make it work - but we just want everyone to know it's not just food and toys you buy, it's vitamins, medicine, and training too!
Is the dog neutered? When will you neuter him?
In los angeles, it ended up being slightly cheaper for Xander's neuter than it would have been in New York. Around $330 all in. Though, that did not include complications, from razor burn, from the vet tech kinda doing a hack job on his pre-op shave. We waited 18 months for this surgery because we read Wheaten Terriers grow more slowly and need the time for joints to mature, etc. etc. It's a heated debate topic and we're certainly not saying one way or the other is better. We made our decision after doing a lot of research and consulting with our vet - which is what we recommend for everyone to do as well.
What is my lifestyle - What is the temperament of the dog I'm considering?
Some breeds have very different personalities. This is definitely worth taking into consideration when adopting or searching for a breeder. For us, we wanted a truly non-shedding dog that was also very playful and medium sized, but not tooo big. We knew from our research that Wheatens tend to remain puppy-like for their entire lives. As terriers, they are also very headstrong and can be stubborn. Knowing things like this can really make all the difference when opening your home to a new friend!
Where do I live - Is there room for a dog?
Okay, so this is more of a subjective answer. We lived in a 600 sq foot apartment in NYC near Tompkin's Square Park. We couldn't find a single adoption center in Manhattan that would consider our "Yardless" apartment. This can be BEYOND frustrating. That said, Xander has lived an extremely active life (sometimes we feel more so than us) Play dates, park meet-ups, group walks, doggy daycare, etc. Don't let them hold you down if you know you'll give a dog a better life. Know that some things around the can R.I.P. real quick, like.. rugs. We've lost several to Xander's puppy bouts of explosive diarrhea. (This could be extreme from our time in NYC, who knows what he was snapping up off the street) Beware that sometimes it's little old ladies at the beignet shop feeding him spicy sausage and telling you it's hotdog.
Do I have time for a dog?
This is a really important question. Puppies take work, dogs take work. You don't have to stop living your live, but they're also sentient beings that require stimulation and challenge. Read about what happens to humans in solitary confinement and just think about how much time your pup will be home alone all day. They're social, like we're social. While you shouldn't let an active lifestyle stop you from getting a dog, it might not be best if you're working 12 hour days any then going out on the town.
In conclusion! Having a dog is one of the greatest things in the world! We love Xander and would love to hear about your experiences with puppies or answer any questions you might have if you're currently on the fence about getting one!
