Pet Parents Reveal Things They Had To Give Up After Getting Their Dogs

Is getting a dog really worth the sacrifice?

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• February 28, 2024

Are you a dog person? If you are, you probably know that bringing a furry friend into your life can lead to some changes in your life. Like, say, sacrificing your leisure time to cater to their needs or changing your leather chairs to something less appealing to avoid chewing and clawing.

So, can you still have nice things or live a fulfilling life while owning a dog? Quora's bustling streets were recently abuzz with opinions on this very topic. Let’s dive into the world of dog ownership through the lens of some of their diverse perspectives.

First up, we had a proud dog parent who reminisced about their spontaneous days before their beloved canine companion entered the scene. Gone were the days of impromptu adventures or even wallowing in self-pity. 

Making sure their furry friend was well taken care of was enough to get this one out of bed each day. And guess what? It was totally worth it.

Our next user shared a heartwarming tale of transformation. Despite the initial chaos and material sacrifices that came with adopting a high-energy and destructive rescue dog, they gained so much more in return—love, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond forged through countless shared experiences. 

Who needs material possessions when you have the unwavering devotion of a furry friend?

And let’s not forget one super pup parent with four loyal canines by their side. With a lifestyle that includes holidays with the whole fur family and furniture that's more dog-friendly than a dog park, they've mastered the art of living in harmony with their furry friends.

We've got a few more exciting responses from dog parents down below.

Dog parents had a lot to say on this topic.

"Strangely enough, when I got a dog, I gave up feeling depressed for days, unable to do anything, just laying on my bed, feeling sorry for myself."

"I have a husky. The #1 thing I gave up when I got him? Anything without dog hair."

"Yes, a lot of material things I was saddened to lose or had to replace. I don’t even want to think about it."

"Nope, because I had already given it up when I had kids. It was ALWAYS more important to me to have a home a kid OR a dog could really play in."

"The only thing I gave up was the ability to just go places and do things overnight or for an extended period of time."

"High heels and dainty jewelry."

"I budgeted about $2,000 per year for my dog’s healthcare and food. I didn’t give up too much for her yet I feel I gained a companion."

"What you give up is the freedom to come and go as you please. With a wagging tail following you around."

"NO!. We never gave up anything. We trained our dog not to go where there are carpets."

"Did I give up? Most people, tension headaches, anxieties, privacy, half the bed, having to go with other people to places."

"I gave up nothing. I train my Dogs to respect their home. Both inside and out."

From the responses, it's clear that bringing a dog into your life requires a few sacrifices. So, it's important that you're prepared to make the necessary adjustments when the need arises.

Sure, you might bid farewell to some material possessions and a chunk of your time, but in return, you gain immeasurable love, joy, and companionship. As the saying goes, you can't buy happiness, but you can adopt it at your local animal shelter.

Jesse