Becoming A Dog Owner: Best Decision Ever

I grew up with many fears.  One of them was of dogs, really all animals.  Let me just tell you that when you are afraid of dogs they find you and hunt you down.  I was chased on foot and chased on bikes.  My childhood friends could tell you stories.

As I grew up I conquered my fear of dogs but more on a tolerate basis.

I had thought about getting a dog for awhile, which was shocking to many of my family who didn’t really see me warming up to family dogs.  Then one Saturday morning I woke up and decided it was time.  After searching the local pound and a few stores I ended up getting a little Yorkiepoo I named Max.  Now, I will save you having to comment, I know it is not politically correct to buy a dog from a store, but I did.  They need to be rescued too.  As I drove home with Max sitting in his crate next to me I wondered what had I done?

That was three months ago.  The first week I was in over my head obsessing every day on how to give him back.  My mom and aunt must have sensed that and become very helpful and checked on him often. I felt trapped and tied down. I could not longer come and go at whim.  There was this little puppy waiting for me to come home and feed him.   I wondered if that is what it will feel like when I finally am in a relationship again.

Then a funny thing happened, I fell in love with Max.  He is the sweetest and funniest dog. He stole my heart with his cute little face.  I have a hard time getting things done because he comes over with his duck in his mouth wanting to play fetch.  There is something comforting in knowing that the little guy is sitting at my back door waiting for me to come home.  If I go outside for a minute and come back, he is as excited to see me as if I had been gone for hours.

I have thought about the many benefits

1.  Companionship – as Livi, my niece said “You won’t be alone when you go home anymore Aunt Cheri.”
2.  Physically -  since Max came home with me I have lost 7 pounds and we started walking each day. They say it is better for your heart and overall health to own a pet.
3.  Socially – owning a dog, especially a cute one, brings people to your feet, literally.  It has forced me to be more outgoing and I have met many people with Max at my side.
4.  Being more generous – being single can lend to being a bit self centered and selfish.  The responsibility of caring for Max makes me think about someone other than myself.
5.  Laughter – Max makes me laugh out loud everyday.  Right now he is on a mission to hide a treat which is very serious business in this household
6.  Unconditional Love – Max adores me, most of the time and that has filled a void in my life.

Man or woman, were not meant to live alone.  While I want to be married, that has not been in God’s plan at this point.  In the meantime it is nice to come home and be greeted by Max.