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| dogtree - 10:07 PM on Jul. 14, 2009 |
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I don't know what I did with my time before Bear came into my life. Much like having a baby, I assume – all that constant care and attention, playing, feeding,
walking, bathing, brushing. You have to reschedule your social life, plan ahead, and even cancel plans to get home in time to feed/walk/cuddle them.
I often joke to Bear that he has ruined my life! Apart from sacrificing my Friday nights out (I can't leave him alone ALL DAY, and then again ALL NIGHT) and having to rise at ungodly hours in winter for walkies, gone is my dream of owning an apartment (no backyard), spontaneously heading off overseas, and owning an all-black wardrobe (oh the long white hair... it gets EVERYWHERE!).
And then there are the expenses. Annual jabs, food, flea and worm treatment, grooming, inevitable vet visits during rainy season when the paws become infected from some unknown nasty weed. All that money I could be spending on a mortgage for an apartment, flying around the world, or buying lots of black clothing. Sounds great doesn't it? Well, actually, not really. Because having all of that would mean I wouldn't have Bear. I would be petless. It's unthinkable! Who would I talk to at night? Who would wake me up in the morning? Who would I exercise with? Who would help me through tough times? Who would I take to dinner parties? Who would I laugh at and make fun of? Who else would put up with my oddities the way he does? Well, there is my boyfriend of course, but it's just not the same, is it?
You see, dogs, including my little Bear (despite being a little bit slow sometimes) have special qualities that humans don't. Anyone who owns a dog knows what they are. I feel so lucky to have him in my life.
Bear was a pound dog on death row when I rescued him. I think he knows it too. I had just started a new job but turned up on the wrong day so they gave me the next day off. I was driving past the animal shelter and something made me turn in. I had no intention of coming home with a dog that day. But I saw him, dishevelled and lonely, quiet and calm. Those little eyes and that brown nose poking through the cage. He wanted love, and I had love to give.
From that day on, Bear and I have been best friends. We spend every day together, and go everywhere together. I am fitter and healthier, go to the beach more, and know more of my neighbours, because when we're out together, everyone wants to stop for a pat and a chat. It's so lovely.
So I reckon those without dogs are simply crazy, because, as The Fauves' song goes, dogs are the best people.
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