I had tried to go the rescue route first. I reached out to shelters, hoping to adopt a dog in need. I waited, followed up, but never heard back. It was frustrating—here I was, ready to give a dog a loving home, yet completely ignored.
That’s when I turned to Kijiji. A few late night messages later, and the next morning, I was parked in the back of a Walmart parking lot 3 hours from home, staring at Kip for the first time. The stark contrast between the rescue process and this instant transaction was jarring. One avenue made me feel invisible; the other felt almost too easy.
The first couple of years with Kip were healthy years. But then, the challenges started stacking up. He was allergic to everything. I tried elimination diets, switching to expensive, specialized food. Then, came hyperthyroidism. Then, the skin issues. Before I knew it, I was spending $500 a month on supplements just to keep him comfortable. It was heartbreaking to see him struggle, and the weight of the responsibility, financially and emotionally, was anxiety-inducing.
By the time I was ready for a second dog, I did things differently. Kaan came from a responsible breeder, and from the start, the experience was night and day. Before I was even considered, I had to fill out a detailed questionnaire. Looking back, that’s how it should be. They weren’t just handing over a puppy to anyone, they were making sure I was the right fit and ready for the commitment.
Even after I brought Kaan home, the breeder remained involved. They checked in, answered questions, and encouraged me to reach out anytime. It wasn’t just a transaction, it has been a long-term commitment to supporting me as a fur momma and to the puppy’s well-being.
Looking back, I see the cause and effect so clearly. The way we bring dogs into our lives matters more than we realize at the moment. If I could do it all over again, I’d do more due diligence. Every pup deserves a home that’s ready, and every owner deserves a dog they’re prepared to love for life.
