Puppy Love: Tips for Raising a Happy Pup in Grand Forks

When I was little, my brother and I always dreamed of having a dog. Growing up in India, where street dogs are everywhere, our desire for a furry companion seemed within reach. One day, while playing outside, we came across a little puppy. Our hearts melted instantly. Without a second thought, we brought him home, fed him, and built a small makeshift house from bricks in our garage. That night, we were overjoyed.

But, as expected, our parents and grandparents weren’t too thrilled. The deal was made—if we wanted to keep the puppy, we had to take on all the responsibilities. Typical, right? However, that night, the puppy cried continuously, keeping the whole household awake. The next morning, with tear-filled eyes, we were told to let him go. I still remember my brother and me sobbing as we said goodbye. Even today, I wonder where that little puppy is and hope he’s living his best life.

Fast forward to when I started my PhD here in the U.S.—I finally got a dog of my own. His name is Rio, and he’ll be turning 4 soon. He’s perfect in every way, and every day with him is a reminder of that childhood dream. But getting a dog isn’t as easy as I once thought. They come with immense responsibilities, a need for constant care, and a lot of love to give in return.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about this as I see more and more dogs being abandoned, and local shelters are overflowing. It breaks my heart because I understand why people may feel overwhelmed. Being a first-time dog mom wasn’t a walk in the park for me either, but there were things we did that helped. Here’s what I wish everyone knew before bringing a dog into their lives, based on my journey with Rio, and the resources you can utilize in Grand Forks  to make sure they are happy and healthy for years to come!

Before welcoming Rio into our lives, my partner and I spent a solid 6–7 months researching everything we could about dogs. It may sound excessive, but that preparation was crucial. We delved into different breeds, explored adoption options, researched the best foods, training techniques, and even scouted out local vets and pet stores. We watched countless YouTube videos, worked through the financial planning, and asked ourselves repeatedly, “Are we truly ready for a dog?”

Even after all that research, I was still nervous when we finally brought Rio home. But looking back, the preparation made all the difference. Knowing what to expect (even if only in theory) took some of the pressure off and allowed us to make informed decisions.

If you’re not sure whether you’re ready for the lifelong commitment of adopting a dog, fostering can be an excellent alternative. When we were preparing for Rio, we considered fostering first as a way to understand the responsibilities involved. Here in Grand Forks, Journey Home Animal Rescue does an amazing job caring for dogs, ensuring they’re up to date on vaccines, and finding them their “furever” homes. By fostering, you can not only help a dog in need but also test the waters to see if you’re ready for a full-time pet. To be honest, it can be a little light on your pocket too as they have such decent adoption fees. We also have Circle of Friends animal shelter doing great work taking care of the animals and a great place for adoption as well. Anything about Circle of Friends fostering here?

If fostering isn’t an option, there are other ways to get involved. Journey Home also offers a “Walk the Dog” program where volunteers can go and spend time with the dogs—walking them, playing with them, and getting a sense of what having a dog entails. Circle of Friends is always looking for people to come and love and care for animals, too. Trust me, these small steps can be eye-opening. Who knows? You might just fall in love with one of the dogs and end up giving them a permanent home.

When it came time to bring Rio into our lives, we got him from Pets R Inn in Columbia Mall, Grand Forks. If adoption isn’t for you and you’re looking for a specific breed that fits your lifestyle, Pets R Inn is a great option. They also have a location in Fargo, and they post about incoming dogs a month in advance. This gives you enough time to prepare and make sure you’re ready for the commitment. What I loved about them is that they provide detailed information on the puppy’s parents, the breeder, and even the kind of food the puppy has been eating, which was extremely helpful for us as first-time dog parents.

While Pets R Inn worked for us, Grand Forks has other local breeders too. However, I cannot stress enough the importance of doing your research. Recently, I heard of someone getting a puppy from Facebook Marketplace, which sounded risky to me. Always ask questions—lots of them—before making a decision, whether you’re adopting or buying from a breeder. A little extra effort can save you a lot of heartache in the long run.

Once you’ve made the decision to bring a dog into your life and know when your fur child is coming home, preparation is key. Setting up a designated space for your new companion can make the transition smoother. In Grand Forks, we’re fortunate to have several pet stores to help with this, including Petsmart, Petco, Treat Play Love, and Pets R Inn. Even stores like Walmart, Target, Menards, and Lowe’s carry the basics you’ll need, such as kennels, dog beds, food and water bowls, toys, and of course, food.

Creating a welcoming space with all the essentials before your dog arrives ensures they feel comfortable and safe from the moment they walk through the door. This can also help you feel more confident and ready for your new role as a pet parent.

After your dog’s arrival, the next important step is ensuring your fur baby is properly vaccinated and cared for. In Grand Forks, ticks can be a serious issue, and they pose dangers to both dogs and humans, so staying on top of vaccinations is vital.

Thankfully, Grand Forks offers plenty of options when it comes to animal hospitals. Personally, we’ve taken Rio to Kindness Animal Hospital and AllPets Hospital, both of which have excellent, friendly vets. I always make sure to ask lots of questions about hygiene, food, and vaccines to keep Rio as healthy as possible.

Other great options in the area include Grand Valley Animal Hospital and Petcetera, both of which come highly recommended. My advice is to call ahead and check if they are accepting new patients—when we first got Rio, we had some trouble finding a vet with openings.

For emergencies, AllPets also runs an emergency clinic, or you can head to the nearest emergency pet clinic in Fargo if needed. Being prepared with a vet you trust is essential, as it provides peace of mind and ensures your dog’s long-term well-being.

Fortunately, Grand Forks offers several options for doggie daycare and boarding services. Rio has been going to Petopia and Ruffing It Doggie Daycare and they’ve taken such great care of him while I’ve been away for a few days. Both places have large play areas where dogs can run and socialize, and they offer reasonably priced daycare packages—especially handy during the winter months when outdoor activities are limited. It’s a great way for your dog to burn off energy and interact with other dogs. I’ve also heard good things about Stay and Play, Wag N Train, and the brand new Red Hydrant, which provide not just daycare and boarding, but also training and grooming services. The best part is that these daycares keep you updated about your fur baby while you’re at work. I remember laughing so much when I received Rio’s “report card” after his first stay at Ruffing It. It was so adorable to see the names of his new friends, a summary of his behavior, and even the naughty stuff he got into!

Speaking of grooming, we’re lucky to have some amazing groomers in town. Being a Maltipoo, Rio needs to be groomed every couple of months. If you search online, you’ll find several options, but a few standout groomers include Top Dog Grooming, Petopia, and Grooming by Wes.

These services make it easier to care for your dog, ensuring they’re happy, healthy, and well-groomed, even when life gets busy. We have some groomers who also accept walk-in services like nail trimming, face trim, etc.

If you’re looking for a fun and safe place for your dog to run free and socialize, Lincoln Drive Park’s Dog Park is a fantastic spot. They do an amazing job keeping it clean and well-maintained. As a new dog mom, I’ve met so many wonderful pet parents there and learned a lot about dog behavior and local tips for raising a dog in Grand Forks.

Rio absolutely loves the big dog park, even though there’s a small dog park right next to it. Funny enough, he prefers to hang out with the big dogs! His best friend there is a dog named Meso, and the size difference between them is quite a sight.

The park has been a great place for Rio to burn off energy and for me to connect with other dog lovers in the area. Whether your dog is big or small, it’s a perfect spot to let them have some fun and make new friends.

We also have fun events for your furry friend like the Puppy Parade during the Grand Forks Street Fair, along with various dog activities happening throughout the year. Participating in these events has been such a blast!

Grand Forks is a very dog-friendly place overall, which makes it easier to care for your furry friend. Many apartments around the city even have small dog areas where you can take your pet for a quick walk or some playtime. Whether you’re strolling through Lincoln Drive Park or just out for a walk in your neighborhood, you’re bound to see fellow dog parents out with their pets, making it feel like a true community for dog lovers.

Rio has been a tremendous blessing in my life, and I often say I can’t imagine my life without him. He’s such an attention seeker—always finding a way to sit on my papers when I’m trying to study or jumping into my Zoom calls with my advisor! I feel incredibly lucky when I look at him, knowing that I am his whole world.

I hope this article helps you make informed decisions as you consider bringing a furry friend into your life. Just remember, it’s a full commitment, but the joy and love a dog brings are truly unmatched.