Kilkenny County Council asks public to consider dog ownership carefully before committing to a Christmas canine

Kilkenny County Council has posted to social media asking people to "Please think carefully before you get a dog this Christmas."

They have asked anyone considering getting a dog, to please consider the following:

Adopt a dog from the dog shelter located at Paulstown (Eircode R95 WK68) phone 059 9726785. Dogs that are looking for new homes are advertised on the Carlow Kilkenny Dog Shelter facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064545618557

Getting a family pet should be well researched so that the breed is suitable to your circumstances. It is a bad idea to surprise somebody with a gift of a dog.

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Puppies grow up to be mature dogs - often changing in appearance, size and temperament.

Along with all the joy a dog brings, ownership has many demands such as: -
1. Housing, feeding and securing the boundaries of your property.
2. Care of your dog while you are out during the day or on holidays.
3. Do you have time in your day to care for another family member? They have to be fed, walked, groomed, socialised etc.
4. The health of a dog is a major financial consideration for dog owners. It can cost as much as €1,500 each year to care properly for your dog.

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Gillian Henderson of Carlow Kilkenny Dog Shelter, who treats all her rescue charges with great care,  also appeals to people to think long and carefully about dog ownership. People need to be aware that it can be a commitment of 14 plus years, that breeds need to be chosen that are suitable for an individual’s or family’s  lifestyle, that dogs need to be socialised and trained as young as possible and that cute puppies can turn into large energetic dogs. Dogs can also be expensive. 

So, please stop and think through acquiring a dog very carefully before you make the final decision. Yes, a  dog can add immensely to your life but is dog ownership really the right thing for you, bearing in mind your circumstances, lifestyle and home?