OP, we just did it. It is hard, but not harder then we expected. We prepared well, and it took us around 2 years to decide and finally we got the puppy. We have him for a month now, and I already can't imagine our life without him. First weeks are the hardest. We got him when he was 3 month old. If you can get a 4 month old puppy, this would be even better. Our puppy is 4.5 now and the difference is huge. First weeks were total nightmare. I was up 2-3 times every single night to take him our. After almost 4 weeks, we finally sleeps through the night. My kids are older. They would take them out occasionally, but majority of puppy care is on me due to the kids busy schedules. Kids got attached to him instantly and it was so good to see them care about someone.

Anonymous wrote:I'm taking this decision to adopt a puppy very seriously. My husband and I are very serious about wanting to be sure its the right decision for us based on the reality of the pros and cons and not a fleeting impulsive "they're so cute" as our deciding factor.
After looking at our list, it seems we have more pros than cons, but the cons are still there and will not go away (having to take it outside in bad weather at all hours of the day, etc). How do the cons get better with ownership of a dog? Do you just "suck it up" and live with them or do the positives completely outshine the negatives?

What is the complete tipping point that makes it all worth it, wouldn't change it for a million years ???

pp here. Just to add--I think this last comment risks romanticizing the experience. As with kids, there will always be moments when you think longingly of the pre-kid days. There will likely be moments of regret. Make sure you go in knowing that.

I do think it gets much easier. We've had our puppy for 2 months and even now it's exponentially easier than it was. And I know that will continue.

We got a puppy 3 years ago. We are completely in love. The kids do a very good job of walking the dog and playing with him. Go for it.