You want a puppy? Do you really? You think you want a dog but do you?
Many people go through the process of adding a puppy to their family only to discover shortly after that they don't want a dog.
If everyone who was thinking about adding a dog to their family could see into the future and get a glimpse of what was to come, they might not get a dog. Of course I adore dogs but not everyone does; not everyone wants to deal with dog issues. Issues that are very species specific and normal for any dog but not just any human. Sadly many people don't realize this until after they get a dog.
Puppies and dogs are work, bottom line. Dogs deserve companionship which often elude those who add a dog to their family. Dogs should be considered a member of the family. They are not a creature that you purchase to complete the image of a family. Dogs deserve a life of togetherness; they should never be left in a yard to live their life alone. Although the backyard is where many dogs find themselves after the family realizes that they didn't really want a dog.
Dogs are amazing; and what they give us should be given back to them. The canine/human connection is a wonderful thing. An intense bond forms from quality time together. But is often lost from those who find a dog to be do much work.
Isle of Dogs
Check out this new movie. Isle of Dogs - I can't wait to see it and would love to hear if you see it.
Yes dogs are work, especially puppies. But if you truly want to live with a dog; living side by side as true companions, the work doesn't feel like work. When you love someone, acts of care and giving feel good; they do not feel like work.
As I write this morning, Elsa is draped across my legs, dreaming. She loves her mornings in bed and I love that I can work in bed with my laptop. We are connected and this very special time in bed confirms that. Elsa feels safe here and enjoys the comfort of connection restricted to family members.
When a dog joins a family, they should be blanketed in the cloak of family. They deserve nothing less. Living alongside the family is where dogs belong. Piled on the couch, resting on their own bed by the fire, enjoying hikes, mornings in bed, evenings on the porch and much more. Loving a dog is good for you; it is a humbling experience. To truly know a dog will change you forever.
Once you've been connected to a dog, there is no going back.
When we allow ourselves to connect with another species; to genuinely share our lives with a canine, we grow and flourish to a much better self. Dogs deserve our very best because they don't know how to give us any less.
Do you want a dog? Just know, there will be work; and your life will never be the same. Loving a dog will come back to you tenfold. Do some research, find out if you really want a dog. If you really want to live with a dog; you are in for an amazing connection.
If you've got a new dog and want to know what you need to know, check out my book.