Adopting a rescue dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Not only are you giving a loving home to a deserving animal, but you're also gaining a loyal companion who will be by your side through thick and thin. However, it's important to be prepared for the responsibilities and challenges that come with adopting a rescue dog. In this blog post, we'll cover nine topics that are essential for anyone considering adopting a rescue dog.

You love your furry friend unconditionally, but is it possible that your pet might also be a total boss? Check out our list to find out.

They Eat Like Royalty

You might be eating on a budget, but when it comes to your furbaby, you feed them only the best. You’re eager to give them their favorite treats. You might even taste their food...just to make sure it tastes good. According to a survey from ElleVet, an astonishing 39% of pet owners admit they have sampled their pets’ food. Of that 39%, 53% admitted they did so purely out of curiosity, and 29% said the product tasted good to them. 71% of respondents said they are more careful about giving their pets new products than they are for themselves.

They Live In A Material World

Your furbaby has sweaters, bandanas, hats, booties, and assorted costumes for every occasion imaginable. Every nook of your home is filled with toys and pet furniture, and you’ll still consider getting them even more. Americans spent $22.1 billion on supplies, live animals, and over-the-counter medicine in 2020. (Insurance Information Institute) They might even have more toys and clothes than you do.

They’re A Star On Social Media

According to a survey by LendingTree, 28% of pet owners make special purchases to post about their pets on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Social media is flooded with posts about our beloved furry friends, and for good reason: some studies have shown that posts that featured pets received increased engagement. No wonder there is an ever increasing number of petfluencers!

They’ve Got You Trained

Your pet knows that giving you a nudge or a stare is all it takes to get your affection. When your dog looks antsy or sits by the door, you know it’s time to let them out to relieve themselves. Pawing at their food or water bowl results in a refill. Just like humans train their pets to respond to commands or perform tricks, pets can condition their owners to respond to certain cues too as a result of positive reinforcement. For example, if your cat meows at you and you decide to pet them, they will internalize that meowing at you will result in affection.

…And you brush their teeth with the only VOHC approved toothpaste with Calprox!

The time has come to ring in the new year – and your pet is undoubtedly ready to get in on the action. As you make your own goals to eat better, exercise more and have fun each and every day, you may want to start thinking about the same for your pet. Excellent New Year’s resolutions can help your pet achieve exceptional health and wellness through the coming year and beyond. With a little planning, you can easily set and follow through with a couple of resolutions to the great benefit of your pet. Utilize the following ideas to get started in finding the New Year’s resolutions for your pet that will make 2019 the best year yet.