I am not one who has always wanted a dog. I really never considered it much. But on the journey to my heart, I started to realize that I needed to set some goals for myself. Being single, carefree and on my own, it was getting too easy to live without a routine on the weekends. I figured a dog was a perfect answer to aid my desire for structure and routine. I had three primary goals…to pick up after myself more, to get out of bed at a decent hour on weekends and to go for walks regularly. So with that in mind, I stopped to see these puppies, named one Dutchess, wrote a check and brought her home when she was six weeks old. That was in April of 2009….
I have learned that my dog has far expanded my vision of what she could do for me. I recently said how I long for the days when it was clear in my mind that beds were for people and kennels for dogs. Dutchess has moved into my world with a gentle persistence and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Dutchess makes coming home more fun. She is ALWAYS” happy to see me.
Dutchess calls out the playful side of me when she ALWAYS brings her ball to my feet and gives me a true crazy grin when we come in from playing fetch!
Dutchess makes cleaning up a food spill so much easier. she is ALWAYS happy to assist.
Dutchess makes walking a mile so much quicker, she pulls me most of the way.
Dutchess knows how to read my moods and adjusts hers accordingly.
Dutchess has shown me that Pavlov really knew what he was talking about.
Dutchess demonstrates she only exposes herself when she is in her safest space!
So, as far as my original goals. Dutchess loves to sleep and will stay in bed until I get up. If I leave her home alone, I come home to any piece of clothing recently worn, gathered on the couch to provide her my scent while she snoozes. (meaning she contributes to my need to pick up more) But, Dutchess has been used to tenderize my heart.She comes to work with me every day and is in training to be a therapy dog. All I can think as this dog lays at the base of my bed, snoring away, is that my heart is tenderized in way more creative ways than I ever dreamed possible!
Thank you for sharring. I’ve enjoyed reading it. Structure is an interesting reason for getting a dog. I’m so glad it has worked so well for both of you. Dogs give us so much unconditional love. Dogs accept us no matter our moods. More improtant they can also take ruff times and make them a little better.