I came back from traveling around the world for 5 months, then one week later, saw a pup online and instantly knew that I needed to meet her. Sure, I’ve always wanted a dog, but there was something about her face that I just knew that we could be there for each other. So, two days later we met, I adopted her on the spot, and the past few weeks have been history.
I may be temporarily insane as a “crazy dog lady” – but coming back, adapting to real life, going back to work, adopting a dog – well, it’s kind of a lot. But every moment of it has been worth it.
1. Patience
One quality that I would never give myself is patience. I have striven for it, but I am far too much a fan of instant gratification. Somehow, that changed when I started working with my pup. I instantly realized that pushing and forcing her to do something wasn’t going to help, it really was only going to make her dig in deeper. By waiting and be there for her, over and over again, it has taught me patience and her to trust.
2. Trust is Earned, Not Given
I used to think that you should be trusted until you are proven unworthy – when in fact, for most it is the opposite, you aren’t trusted, until you prove yourself worthy.
3. It’s Okay to Be Jumpy at those Weird Noises Coming from Outside
I would generally consider myself a brave person, but not at 3 am, when I hear a weird creak or car door slam. I hide under the covers and hope no one is breaking into my house. It’s an insane fear, based on nothing really, but happens regularly.
But, when my pup wakes up to the same noise, and paces along the windows on the second floor, it’s the most gratifying feeling. I’m not alone, I’m not crazy. And though I know my dog would actually run and hide if someone broke in, I feel safer with her there.
4. Pick the Important People to Hold Onto
Sure, my pup is still learning her commands. She does them for me, but not for everyone. Why? Well, she likes me more than you. Kidding, but not really. She picks me, I pick her. We continue to pick and hold onto to each other because we are there for each other – and those other people in your life that really matter will hold onto to you too.
5. Go to the Bathroom Before Bed, Whether You Need to Or Not
Dog or human, in the winter, there is nothing worse than getting out of the warm bed at 3 am for a potty run. And there is no sillier look than my down jacket and PJ pants.
6. Make Your Voice Count
My pup doesn’t bark. Well, I mean, I’ve heard two barks in four weeks. So I’m going with doesn’t bark. But when she barks, I listen, ten-fold.
Do the same for yourself. Make your voice valuable. Talk when you have something important to say, don’t just talk to fill blank space.
7. Unconditional Love
I’ve never had someone so happy to see me when I walk in the door. Everyday. Her tails wags so hard that her whole body ends up wagging and she’s so overjoyed that she can’t even sit still to let me pet her. But instantly, my day is brightened, and whatever was driving me crazy moments before I walked in the door is gone.
