Dogs are cute … and a stack of fun! But, dogs are also a lot
of work.
I decided to get Jake (a rescue) about six months after I
lost Marty. He and I had been together for over 12 years. During my grieving, I
realized that I am a dog person. I really like having canine companionship. I
knew I would end up with another dog. I had grown up with dogs but I spent most
of my 20’s dogless. This time, I knew I wouldn’t be without a dog for long.
It was an easy decision to get Jake and keep doing what I
had grown accustomed to doing (getting vet coverage, paying for flea and
heartworm treatments, grooming, daily walks, finding a sitter when I would be
out late or out of town….)
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| Prince Jake! |
It wasn’t so easy when I decided to get Marty. Getting a dog
after going so long without one, I knew would be challenging. My lifestyle
would have to change. No more getting up and rushing out the door for work in
15 minutes flat. He would require my time, my money, and my care (he can’t feed
and groom himself). I would do all of that in exchange for his love, his
loyalty and a belly full of laughs.
When I got Marty he was 2 years old, trained and
housebroken. A family was moving to another state and decided not to take him
with them. I got him just before the shelter did. Together we traipsed across
the country and back. I had to find dog-friendly hotels along the way. In
addition to packing my stuff, I made sure I had water and food for him during
our long drives.
You see, a canine (or feline) is work. It is fun work. It is
rewarding work but make no doubt about it, it is work! I have a neighbor who
got a dog because his 3-year old wanted one. This Chihuahua (not a dog bred for
the outdoors) is outside, barking incessantly 24-hours a day. If the
temperature dips below freezing, they put her in the garage.
A decision to get a dog, like any other change in your
lifestyle, shouldn’t be made lightly or on a whim. It takes thought and
planning. By the time Marty (and Jake) walked through my door, they had health
care, quality food (in cute bowls), a tag with their name on the front and my
contact information on the back (also cute). I knew how dog expenses would fit
into my budget. I knew how my morning and evening routines would change. I had
someone on standby to take care of him if something came up.
These dogs had found their forever homes and there was no
turning back. I held Marty when he was scared of thunderstorms. I cared for him
when he was diagnosed with Cushings and needed expensive medicine and to be
quarantined in the kitchen because he would have accidents. A few months ago,
Jake was diagnosed with epilepsy. I cared for him when he’d had seizures and
now I give him his medicines twice a day.
I would never compare pet ownership to marriage or
childrearing. But I will say when it comes to any life-altering decision, it is
essential to take the time and make the effort to think it through. You choose
a restaurant on a whim, not a pet, partner or the decision to be a parent.
As for me and my current Puppy Prince, I am looking forward
to years of laughter and love with Jake.
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