Dear future dog owner,
If you’ve already considered trying to find a perfect dog online, I hope you’ve checked the animal shelters and considered adopting. It’s not for everyone, and sometimes people are afraid of it. But, here’s a better reason to reconsider.
I’ve had two dog experiences on my own.
Growing up with dogs, I’ve always dreamed of the day I would be on my own, living in some magical dream house I projected my wonderful future career to get me, and loving a dog -- or two. My freshman year of college, I nearly fell more in love with my school simply because there was a therapy dog session every semester. But I also missed having a cuddle buddy of my own.
And who doesn’t love long walks with a best friend?
My first “on my own” dog experience was hard. I loved the sweet boy, but I didn’t realize how young he was. And just how hectic my college girl schedule was -- not to mention social life and work. Anyway, he was great to run with, fun to cuddle up with, and even better to keep me safe (seeing as he alerted me after hearing anything scary, loud, or unusual). He was a great companion, but I simply did not have the mental state ready to take on the responsibility and commitment he deserved. It was heartbreaking and left me feeling even worse.
One of my very best friends adopted a sweet puppy not that long ago and has never been happier. She’s experienced her ups and downs, sure. A learning experience, especially at 21 years old, in college, and having a great social life. It’s hard, and you often learn the hard way (like when you come home from a party to poop in the living room and torn-up nice undies, ugh). Having a dog isn’t a chore, and it shouldn’t be stressful. Even all the little things that you say -- “Ugh, I don’t wanna do this right now” -- become less of a complaining thing and more of a habit when you have a companionship. Having a dog is having a friend that needs you just as much as you need it, and there can be so many rewarding moments. My best friend is happier on a daily basis because of this wonderful puppy. She recently shared a post on Facebook of her pup and captioned it, “You can’t buy love but you definitely can rescue it.”
Suzie was at the Asheville Humane Society and has a really sad story.
I’m not going to explain it all, because, well, her past made her the dog she is just like your past made you, you. You don’t have to yell it to everyone from rooftops; you probably wouldn’t want to. So she doesn’t have to either. What matters is how different and amazing she is in her new home.
(Long story short, just because I know you’re so curious: Suzie was adopted once, and then found stray again. After being found stray again, she lived with a hostfamily that was attempting to better socialize her (she’s frightened easily) for almost a year. Then she lived in the shelter.)
After my first dog attempt, I was scared to try again. I was ready for the responsibility, but super concerned that I would fail and it would end up being too much for me to take on. When I saw Suzie online, I immediately wanted to go meet her. And when I did, it was magical.
It’s cheesy to say, but it was like love at first sight. I didn’t want to leave without bringing her home with me -- to the sweet, sometimes messy, and kinda small apartment that is my temporary home. But now, Suzie is a part of this temporary home. And Suzie makes coming home so much better! It wasn’t long until I found myself late one night taking Suzie out and was overwhelmed with appreciation for her in my life. I told my mom, “This dog is going to meet my children.”
Adopting love can do wonderful things for the soul. So if you’re ever thinking about it, think about it long and hard, and know that the compassion you feel back from creating and building a companionship with a dog can really change your perspective of life, love, and what it means to be a good friend. Thanks for being my best friend, Suzie; you’ll always be my favorite dog to love.
All my dog treats and advice,
M.S. Hill
