An aspiring attorney, Maral Cavner holds a graduate degree in conflict and dispute resolution and is currently working toward a law degree at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, OR. Community involved, Maral Cavner has helped establish a no-kill animal rescue shelter and enjoys caring for all animals, especially dogs. Looking after a dog is a significant responsibility. Here are three important things you should know about caring for a dog before you make one part of your home.

1. Three Things to
Carefully Consider
Before You Get a Dog
Maral Cavner

2. Introduction
An aspiring attorney, Maral Cavner holds a graduate degree in
conflict and dispute resolution and is currently working toward a law
degree at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, OR. Community
involved, Maral Cavner has helped establish a no-kill animal rescue
shelter and enjoys caring for all animals, especially dogs. Looking
after a dog is a significant responsibility. Here are three important
things you should know about caring for a dog before you make one
part of your home.
1. Being a dog guardian is a long-term commitment. Since most dogs
live between 10 and 15 years of age or longer, it’s important to assess
your current and future lifestyle and if it's compatible with caring for
a dog. You should consider things such as where you plan to live, how
often you might travel, and if there will be small children living in the
home with the dog.

3. Dog
2. Your daily schedule will include your dog. You will need to consider
the time and energy it will require to feed, train, and exercise your
dog. You’ll also need to plan how and when you will take your dog
outside for bathroom breaks, since dogs should not be left alone for
more than eight hours at a time.
3. The costs. According to the University of Pennsylvania School of
Veterinary Medicine, it costs upwards of a few thousand dollars to
care for a dog over its lifetime. You’ll need to pay for annual medical
checkups, vaccinations, medications for preventing heartworms and
fleas, spaying or neutering, food, and other supplies. However, as
nearly every dog guardian would tell you, the benefits of love and
companionship far outpace any of the costs.