The Question That Started It All. Shall I Get a Dog?
The first time my daughter asked, “Papa, can we get a dog?” I laughed nervously. I had just started a new job in the U.S., we were renting a small duplex near Houston, and I was still figuring out the difference between Walmart and Walgreens. A dog? Really? I grew up in a society where keeping a dog inside the home wasn’t common. So, naturally, I was hesitant. But in suburban Texas, dogs were everywhere - at the park, in every backyard, even in grocery store parking lots, sitting in SUVs like they owned the place.
This post isn’t just a pros-and-cons list. It’s a story - an honest account from an immigrant dad who eventually said yes to dog ownership, and why that decision changed our family in the best ways possible.
If you’re from a South Asian or even a Middle Eastern or East Asian household, you know what I mean. Dogs were often seen as street animals, protectors - not cuddle companions. When my mother-in-law visited us in Texas and saw Ella, our Labrador, sprawled out on the living room couch, her look of disbelief was almost comical. “You let her on the furniture?” she whispered, as if she’d walked in on me committing some small act of rebellion. I nodded. She sighed, but then softened - offering Ella a biscuit straight from the chai tray. Progress.
But here’s the thing: what seems odd at first becomes normal surprisingly fast. In our neighbourhood, dogs aren’t accessories; they’re seen as full-fledged family members. They appear in Christmas cards, get special “doggy birthday parties,” and sport adorable Halloween costumes. We gave in because of our kids. Their faces would light up whenever they saw a neighbour’s dog. My older one even sent me a voice note from her mom’s phone on “Why dogs will make me a better human.” And she wasn’t wrong.
Here’s what changed for me by saying ‘yes’ to the question ‘Shall I get a dog?
But above all, what I found most surprising was how our new four-legged addition changed the emotional rhythm of our home, and especially the impact on the kids. On tough days, Ella sensed the mood - whether it was offering her head for a gentle pet when the girls were sad, or padding softly beside me during moments of quiet stress.
Of course, none of these positive changes came magically or without friction. There were early struggles - odd smells, muddy paw prints, nights of barking at distant sirens. Family visitors occasionally raised eyebrows or offered gentle advice on how, in “the old country,” dogs belonged outside. But over time, these reactions faded, replaced by appreciation for the warmth and softness Ella brought into our home.
Deciding to get a dog, especially when it goes against ingrained norms and expectations, is more than a trivial household choice. It’s a step into a wider world of empathy, adjustment, and growth. For us - five years in - it’s a decision we celebrate daily.
Welcoming a dog isn’t just adding a furry friend to your family. It revamps your routines, priorities, even your social circle. Here’s an honest look at what families, especially newcomers to dog ownership, should consider.
At times, the responsibility can feel overwhelming. Sick days, puppy teething, or the heartbreak of an elderly dog’s declining health are all part of the journey. There are periods when you might question your decision - like cleaning carpets at midnight or canceling a weekend trip because your sitter canceled. These are normal and part of the experience.
But here’s the flip side. Dogs are intuitive - they sense when you’re sad or anxious, and provide comfort in small, wordless ways. That constant presence, the wagging tail at the door, and the shared joys (and exasperations) bind the whole family. Is dog adoption worth it? Totally.
Some dogs vibe better with first-time owners, especially those balancing kids and careers. Based on both research and personal experience, here are a few breeds known for their temperament and adaptability:
Temperament: Loyal, patient, and affectionate.
Size: Medium to large (55–75 lbs)
Grooming: Regular brushing needed due to long coat and moderate shedding.
Why Great for Families: Known for their calm demeanour and love for children. They're smart, obedient, and rarely aggressive.
Temperament: Friendly, outgoing, eager to please.
Size: Medium to large (55–80 lbs)
Grooming: Moderate shedding; weekly brushing.
Why Great for Families: Labs are gentle with kids, intelligent, and easy to train. They’re playful yet patient, and they thrive on human companionship.
Temperament: Gentle, affectionate, adaptable.
Size: Small (13–18 lbs)
Grooming: Regular brushing; prone to matting.
Why Great for Families: Small enough for apartment living, but playful and sociable. They bond well with all ages and love cuddling.
Temperament: Playful, affectionate, and sociable.
Size: Small (7–13 lbs)
Grooming: Regular brushing; low shedding.
Why Great for Families: Havanese thrive on companionship, are gentle with children and relatively easy to train. Their small size suits apartment living.
Temperament: Curious, friendly, energetic.
Size: Small to medium (20–30 lbs)
Grooming: Low maintenance; sheds moderately.
Why Great for Families: Excellent with children and other pets. They’re playful and thrive in active households.
Temperament: Intelligent, gentle, and loyal.
Size: Medium to large (50–75 lbs)
Grooming: Regular brushing; moderate to heavy shedding
Why Great for Families: Collies are exceptionally gentle and protective, highly trainable, eager to please, and form strong bonds with their owners, making them trusted and reliable companions.
Depending on your situation, living arrangement and resources there are a number of breeds of excellent family dogs to adopt as your first furry family member. Bonus Tip: Visit local shelters. Many mixed breeds are just as loving and need homes too.
Ella made us more patient. More present. She listens without judging. She became my jogging buddy, my daughters’ secret keeper, and my wife’s foot-warmer on chilly mornings. But before you bring home a pup, ask yourself:
Bringing a dog into your home is one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences. But it only works when the whole family is ready for the responsibility and the shift in lifestyle.
You’ll sweep more. You’ll plan a bit more. But you’ll also laugh more, cuddle more, and feel more connected as a family than you ever imagined. It’s a big step, but if your heart is leaning toward yes, here’s some advice:
P.S. If you’re ready, check out these trusted and recommended adoption places Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet and ASPCA Adoption Center
Thank you for reading - and good luck on your journey to potential puppy parenthood!