A PUPPY IS NOT A TOY
A puppy is a living being who has a need for love and proper care the rest of his life. He/she needs to be fed often while young. And a young puppy is especially vulnerable to broken bones and other injuries from careless treatment.

A PUPPY IS NOT A TEACHING AID
A puppy should not be obtained to instill a sense of responsibility in children. It is unfair to place an animal's entire well-being in the hands of children. Feeding, grooming, housebreaking and discipline training of an animal should be the principal responsibilities of adults. Responsibility training of children is better left for household tasks, where a helpless animal's needs are not at stake.

A PUPPY IS NOT CHEAP
The purchase price or adoption fee for a pet is a mere pittance compared to the cost of veterinary care for routine and emergency treatment over the dog's life, as well as licensing fees and damage to personal property, which is bound to occur.

A PUPPY IS NOT A GIFT
Animal shelters and pounds are overrun with dogs who were acquired for the wrong reasons or without sufficient investigation or personal commitment.

A PUPPY IS NOT SELF-CLEANING
Dogs can neither groom themselves nor clean up after themselves (accidents, shedding), and therefore, impose additional workload in a household.

A PUPPY IS NOT AN ADULT DOG
Having neither the physical nor the mental abilities of an adult dog, a puppy cannot wait long periods of time before relieving himself/herself, differentiate between what is a toy and what isn't nor distinguish between digestible and dangerous objects. They require patience, understanding and supervision just as with human infants and young children. A puppy doesn't mature into an adult dog for at least 2 years. If you work and don't have time for training and play, get an older dog.

A PUPPY IS NOT A PUPPY FOREVER
But they need your love and care forever. Be sure that you understand the near-term and life-long commitment involved *before* succumbing to the charms of a cute, little puppy.