I am not what you’d call a “pet lover.” Not even close. Sure, I like other people’s animals most of the time (as long as they are not cats), but I never thought I’d have one of my own as an adult.
As a kid, I always wanted a puppy and asked for one every Christmas. My parents were not keen on the idea of having another rugrat (in addition to their kids) running around, and my mom had allergies.
My grandparents, on the other hand, always had a dog. On one side, they even let their big black lab sleep with them. As a germaphobe, I was nauseated by this. Not that I want to know, but don’t they ever want to…you know…have some privacy?? How can they do that with a big furry creature between them? And hair ALL OVER the bed?
Shortly after Tim and I started dating, I met his family and his beloved dog, who had been around for more than a decade. He took his pup on regular walks, they slept in the same bed, and the dog literally hugged him in greeting. This dog was his companion – man’s best friend. Luckily, I got to know and love his affectionate pooch, too. He even slept at the bottom of the bed once or twice.
When Tim left for military training, he had to leave everyone at home, including his sweet dog. He knew his buddy may not make it to the end of training and held onto his goodbye. That didn’t make the eventual final moments any less agonizing.
While he was away, his dog got very sick…and you know the end. The heartbreak that comes with losing a pet is magnified when you cannot be there to say goodbye. It hurts my heart thinking about it.
I knew it was only a matter of time before Tim wanted another dog. Tim is not at all needy or outwardly expressive about the deepest desires of his heart, so when he said, “I really want a dog,” I knew it was only a matter of time.
After living in the tiny house for a few months and casually eyeing puppies regularly, I saw a friend post online about her foster pups. I wanted one! It was time to go for it. Within 48 hours, we had found a puppy online that was three hours away and had set up a time to pick up our new family member!
Paws. Once again, I never thought I’d be a dog mom. Drool, fur everywhere and picking up another creature’s poop consistently (not to mention the midnight bathroom breaks) was not my idea of fun.
From the very beginning, we both fell in love with our little puppy. He was not only beautiful, but well behaved. Watching Tim with this dog made my heart swell in new ways. Our puppy is our joint responsibility, our joint frustration, our joint entertainment, and most of all, our joint love. We adore him so much that the midnight potty breaks haven’t mattered, the frustration over his shenanigans is unimportant, and he runs up to our bed from his kennel to greet us every morning with kisses. Puppy love is true joy. And you can’t put a price on that.
Tim:
Life isn’t all about money either. Life is about what you value. A dog will start to add up but the love that is shed is priceless.
I’ve had a dog my entire life and have been filled with so much joy by them. From hunting dogs to lap dogs.
Each dog has their own personality but that’s what makes it great. You get to know the dog better than a loved one. What makes them happy or sad. When they are sick how to comfort them. They make you laugh when you are having a “ruff” day.
Why A Dog Is Worth The Expense
Dogs are known as man’s best friend and for good reason. They provide a sense of companionship and security that is unmatched by any other pet. But, owning a dog is not cheap. From food and toys to veterinary bills and grooming costs, the expenses add up quickly. So, why is a dog worth the expense?
The Benefits of Owning a Dog
One of the main reasons a dog is worth the expense is the benefits they provide. Dogs have been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve heart health. They also provide a sense of security and can act as a deterrent to potential intruders. In addition, dogs are great for children as they teach responsibility and compassion.
The Cost of Owning a Dog
It’s true that owning a dog can be costly. The initial cost of buying or adopting a dog can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Additionally, there are ongoing expenses such as food, toys, and veterinary bills. Grooming costs can also add up, especially for certain breeds.
The Payoff of Owning a Dog
Despite the cost, the payoff of owning a dog is worth it. The companionship and love that a dog provides is invaluable. They are loyal, loving, and always there for you. Plus, the benefits they provide to your physical and mental health can save money in the long run on doctor visits and medication.
In conclusion, owning a dog may come with its own set of expenses, but the benefits and companionship they provide make it worth it. If you are considering getting a dog, weigh the cost against the benefits and decide if it is right for you. The love and loyalty of a furry companion is priceless and will make you a happier, healthier person.
They may only be part of your life, but for your dog, you are his whole life.
