Welcoming a dog into your home isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly.

Owners need to commit their time and money in to their four-legged friend, and it’s always helpful to know whether your chosen dog is going to be a good fit for your family before becoming overly attached to them.

Wanting to help out, seven-year-old Roman Duncan has been writing a series of letter to his foster dog’s future family to let them know just how perfect she is.

Roman wrote a series of letters to Maggie’s new family ( Image: North Shore Animal League America)

He tucked the letters into her paperwork ( Image: North Shore Animal League America)

His family welcomed pit bull Maggie in to their Louisiana home on a temporary basis, looking after her until she was old enough to be adopted.

Despite knowing she would only be in his life for a few months, Roman set about learning as much as he could about his new foster dog.

And when the time came to say goodbye, the young boy slipped a few letters into her paperwork, addressing them to “Maggie’s new family”.

He wrote: “Maggie is so cute. Maggie loves to play fetch.

“Maggie is potty trained. Maggie is the best dog ever.

“She loves kids. She loves other dogs.

“We love Maggie. We hope you love her too.”

Maggie, who is now in a permanent home, was up for adoption with North Shore Animal League America (NSALA), which claims to be the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organisation.

The NSALA team came across the young boy’s letters while the dog was journeying from Louisiana to their animal shelter in Port Washington, New York.

Senior vice president of North Shore Animal League America, Joanne Yohannan told New York Post : “Roman exemplifies the lessons of empathy and compassion that are the basis for our School Dog Program

“This is also a testament to the commitment we share with our shelter partners to find loving, responsible homes for homeless animals.”

She hopes Roman’s “tear-jerking story” will inspire people across the world to choose adoption rather than turning to breeders.

Echoing this, the RSPCA has been issuing a message to those considering welcoming a furry friend into their home.

“While it may be easy to find animals on the internet or even spend hundreds on an expensive breeder, you could risk heartache or huge vet’s bills if you don’t do your homework,” a statement reads.

“By adopting and not shopping you’ll also feel good for doing good – by giving an animal a second chance at life in a loving home!

“Plus, adopting from us means that you can relax knowing that all our animals are healthy, neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

“As with all the animals we rehome, we’ll pass on the details of their behaviour and veterinary treatment. You’ll likely know more about your rescue animal’s history than if you were to buy an animal online!

“We’ve taken the time to get to know each animal as an individual, to understand their likes and dislikes and to prepare them for life in a loving family, which means there are less likely to be nasty surprises when you get home!

“When you adopt a cat or a dog from one of our centres, you’ll also get four weeks free pet insurance, which is vital to protect your pet’s future as well as your bank balance! There’s so much to gain from rescuing an animal in need.”