For a year and a half, I worked at a pet boarding facility. It was hands down my favorite job I've ever had, and here are some truths I learned while working with the best species on the planet:
1. Poop/Pee/Blood no longer bothers you.
You've cleaned up so much of this stuff that it just doesn't even surprise you now.
Dogs get excited when people and other dogs are around, so sometimes they jump on you. Sometimes said dog is 150 pounds of pure fluff, and also isn't aware that he is, in fact, 150 pounds. And he also doesn't understand why you're on the ground in pain after he jumps on you. At least now you have new "battle scars" to show all your friends.
3. You need at least three pairs of "work shoes"
Because yours WILL get destroyed. Whether by an overzealous chihuahua puppy, or the plethora of upended rocks near the gates of the dog yards, your poor shoes won't last more than a few months. And you feel compelled to formally apologize to your new shoes in advance for the hell they're about to endure.
4. You're wary of picking up dogs
Beware of holding a pup, because no matter how well this dog was trained, they will pee. Lots of dogs pee when they're excited, when they feel threatened, or just because they feel like it. Now, the first Truth was that this doesn't bother you anymore, and it doesn't, but it still sucks to get peed on by that adorable pug puppy.
5. You know more about someone's dog than they do
"Aww is that a German Shepherd or a Belgian Malinois?" "A what?" This will happen, a lot. And you don't understand why. But it's because you work with dogs, and have to know basically everything about every breed, because it's your job to know. Also, no one wants to watch a dog show with you, because you might pause the TV and tell them all of the information that the announcers missed.
6. You take selfies with the dogs:
Who wouldn't? Dogs are cute. But sometimes your manager is in the room and will either: A.) Look at you like you're crazy, B.) Reprimand you, or, on rare occasions, C.) Join in/Photobomb your selfie. From experience, selfies featuring dogs get more likes than the ones sans-dog.
7. You have an emotional bond with all dogs
When they whimper, you want to cry. When they're happy and smiling, you're doing the same. You empathize with them, whether you've worked with them or you just see them in public. Your friends may think you're crazy for this, but you don't really care; that poor puppy needs belly rubs and you know it.
8. You are the official family dog washer
If your family has dogs, when it comes to bath time, you're up. Because you're the "professional", even if you're actually not that great at giving dogs baths. And, while you're washing them, at least one of your family members will hover over you, giving you pointers on how to wash the dog. Even though 5 minutes ago, you were the "professional" (I'm looking at you, Dad). But you aren't too upset about having to wash your dogs, because, you know, dogs.
9. You still love them
Even though you've seen the Good, the Bad, the Ugly, and the Disgusting of dogs, you still adore them. You'd do anything for your (or someone else's) fur babies, and everything you go through for them is totally worth it. Even the fleas.
