I’ve wanted a dog for as long as I can remember. My parents actually succumbed to my constant yapping about it and even got us one. She was small, cute, lazy and not well trained. She peed everywhere and even threw up in my moms car one time.
My dad, who hates dogs, pets and animals in general was appalled. He gave us 24 hours to give her away and it was literally the worst two days of my life. After we gave her away, I cried, yelled and screamed.
I had to be given a pet parrot to nurture and care for to replace the dog I lost. And it was amazing and exciting, until I forgot to feed her for 2 days and she died. That was it for me.
Now that I’m grown, I want a pet again, a dog to be precise. I know the story started out seeming like I was put off pets forever but that’s not true. Now that I know more about how dogs can be house trained, I really want one for myself.
Dogs are amazing comfort animals. They can lift your mood and help you out with feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
Pets especially dogs are innately able to tell your moods and know when you are sad or happy. They read body language and can tell when something is wrong. Experts say dogs are in tune with your health and help to even reduce your blood pressure levels.
Living alone can be depressing and very sedentary. Especially being in quarantine for over a year and not having life going fully back to normal soon. A dog keeps you on your feet, helps you to be responsible and keep to a routine. Doctors even say having a dog helps with cardiovascular health because the dog keeps you walking and busy.
Even living with family, a pet is a bonding topic as it becomes a part of the family’s routine and plans.
Of course, it comes with perks, and you have to consider the size of your living space. I’ll be moving to a small studio and so I’m not planning to get an Alaskan malamute or a Siberian husky dog. Sticking to small dogs like Yorkshire’s, pugs etc will help manage your space. These dogs also don’t need to walk long distances when you take them out for walks. They eat less food and are content with a small bed. You can also just take walks around your street.
I’d have to potty train my dog but I’m honestly looking forward to that because it’ll be like having a little baby.
If you’ve never had a pet, I highly recommend fostering one and then deciding if you want to get it.