It’s hard to believe that it was one year ago when a work-out person asked me if I wanted a cute little dog? I still don’t know why she picked me–although she said, “she just knew I was the right person for Josie.” I had starting thinking about getting a dog after my daughter recently had gotten a cute little chihuahua. So when this gal mentioned Josie was part chihuahua, I knew it was a “sign.”
I had a lot of fears and reservations. I was used to doing my own thing. I was now working from home, I liked my independence and loved to travel. I never considered getting a dog–because they were such high maintenance. But this seemed right. It would be my first dog since I was a kid. It was a big decision and yet, it seemed so right.
It’s hard to anticipate all the changes I would have to make. Would I regret accepting the dog? Would I hate having to take her out in the middle of winter? How much money would I have to spend on her? There were lots of unanswered questions, it still felt oddly comfortable when I heard myself saying, “Sure” but just on trial for a week. Ha!
Well, as they say, the rest is history. And today we are celebrating our first anniversary together. Remarkably, I have had no regrets–despite my friends and family still in disbelief that I have a dog and how much it’s changed my life.
Sure Josie is more labor intensive, it is a labor of love. I could sit at my computer all day without a break, and Josie “begging” to go out gives me a welcomed breath of fresh air. She has been a reminder of what’s important in life–family and friends. She’s definitely family.
Okay, you may not be ready to get a dog, but I want to encourage you to take a chance on something that feels right. Sure, you may not know how your decision will ultimately turn out. But the recipe for a juicy life is learning to listen to your heart and taking a chance.
Josie
I’m not sure I can connect this blog to my business in any way–but I have a need to write about the new addition to my family. My dog adoption came quite unexpectedly a few weeks ago. When I was on the treadmill warming up for my exercise class, one of the other participants looked over and asked me if I would be interested in a lovable little dog. Much to my amazement, I heard myself saying, “what kind?”
When Holly said she was a mix–some Chihuahua–I knew I had to check it out. I had fallen in love with my daughter’s dog at Christmas time when she adopted her Chihuahua. Before that, I had never considered getting a dog–matter of fact, I would often say, “No more animals after my cat dies.” I suppose if I had hesitated longer after the “offer,” I would have backed out–but somehow it seemed like the right thing to do. I felt like I was so wise when I agreed to take her on “trial.” Yeah, right–one day I was “sold.”
I haven’t had a dog since I was a kid. I’m sure I’m doing everything wrong–except loving and spoiling her. Everything I have learned thus far was from my friends and neighbors, Kathy and Carla. They said something about how they haven’t seen me smile so much until I got Josie.
Boy, has my life changed! I now know where all the dogs are in the neighborhood–and remember each of their names. I am reading up on dog training tips and even bought a book by the Dog Whisperer. I have adjusted my schedule away from home and pay attention to how long I need to be out. I now get how a dog differs from a cat. I knew my cats were low-maintenance, but a dog is so much more interactive than a cat. The good news is that Luna, my cat and Josie, have developed a loveless tolerance of each other.
Josie is house-broken, enjoys her walks and is very lovable (I’m just saying). But she has some issues. She and I quickly bonded and when I leave the house, she cries (aka barks)–so my mother guilt has resurfaced big time. And she’s frightened of most men. I am having a dog trainer come to train me next week. So hopefully, that situation will improve.
Now in addition to my list of qualities my someday Mr Wonderful needs to have, I have to add to the list,” must love my dog (and vice versa).” Wish me luck!
Look What’s New!
Connect
Certifications:
