WASHINGTON – Who can resist a snugly puppy? Rescue groups want you to take one home, but only if you’re ready.

Debbie Marson with A Forever Home Rescue Foundation says dogs are wonderful, but getting a puppy is a big commitment. She likens it to having a baby.

“These guys need to go out every two hours. They chew on everything, they have these razor sharp teeth that can chew through a wire like that,” says Marson.

It takes time and training and constant care to have the dog you really want.

Marson says that if you put in the work, you’ll be richly rewarded.

“The joy that they bring, the acceptance — you’re never, ever going to get that anywhere else.”

A Forever-Home Rescue Foundation is a non-profit dog rescue located in Chantilly, Va. You can find pictures of the pets the foundation has for adoption here.

WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report. Follow Kate and WTOP on Twitter.

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