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- Story Listed as: True Life For Adults
- Theme: Family & Friends
- Subject: Life Changing Decisions/Events
- Published: 01/16/2025
The Wonder of our First Dog
Born 1968, F, from Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.jpeg)
“OK, we can get a dog”. There, I’d said it, no going back now. My husband Paul looked at me in shock. He had wanted a dog the whole 37 years of our marriage, but I had always said no. I had felt it would be too restrictive as we both had busy jobs, liked to travel and had a busy social life. I really felt our lifestyle wouldn’t suit a dog and it would be unfair on the dog if we were hardly around. But now we were both facing early retirement and I had thought long and hard and it seemed like the right time. Paul and I talked about it for the rest of the evening, wanting to make sure we had considered all the implications. We both agreed it was the right time and made the decision. Paul was over the moon, “we are actually going to get a dog, I can’t believe it, thank you” he said excitedly.
We endlessly discussed what sort of dog we wanted. We both had specific ideas on the ‘perfect’ dog and agreed we wanted a puppy. We knew it would be hard work initially, but with the right training we were sure we would end up with the dog we wanted. We hadn’t anticipated how much work it would be though!
We went to look at some beautiful Terrier/Spaniel-cross puppies. We arrived and were greeted by 8 little balls of fluff all running towards us. I wanted them all, but one little pup made himself known to us early on. He climbed onto our laps, snuggled, gave kisses, we were hooked. They say the dog will pick you, I really felt that was the case. We took our little Rufus home, our 9-week-old bundle of joy.
Paul and I felt we were ready for a dog. We had read the books, watched the YouTube videos, bought the doggy ‘stuff’, food, beds, blankets, toys. I was determined our little pup would have everything he needed. We were to realise later that he didn’t need ALL the stuff (we were a marketers dream)!
We took him home and in no time at all we were besotted. He left footprints on our heart (as well as on the sofa and carpet!). He settled in quickly and made our house his home. We were soon to realise that a house with white walls and light grey carpet was a challenge with a dog that liked mud and water, but we were ready with the cleaning supplies and a huge pile of doggy towels.
We were less prepared for the immediate changes he would bring to our life. Battling through the night-time toilet training and feeding regime, setting the alarm to get up every couple of hours to take him into the garden, making sure we were consistent with the training. Paul took to it immediately but for me it initially felt like loss of independence. I couldn’t just up and go out when I wanted, we now had this little guy to consider. It was hard, yes (particularly the sharp little puppy teeth which were mostly aimed at me, our little landshark) and sometimes I did wonder what on earth I was doing. But I kept telling myself it was worth it, and it was. We really do now have the gorgeous little dog we wanted, and we love him to bits.
We are responsible for him, his needs and wants. We want to make his life as happy as we can, they are with us for such a short time. He is 3 years old now, I can’t believe how quickly it has passed. I can’t think about our life without him.
He makes us laugh every day. We explore new places together and he’s happy with any opportunity to play in water, dig, chase balls. We share a love of the beach; we are creating new memories together.
I didn’t realise how my life would change. In the past, when friends couldn’t meet up because they couldn’t leave their dog, I remember rolling my eyes. I am now one of those people. If my dog isn’t welcome, I don’t want to go. Holidays abroad no longer feature in our plans; we are enjoying exploring the beautiful English countryside with our faithful little sidekick.
I often wonder what is going through his head. What does he think of us, of his life, is he happy? I need to remember life is simpler for a dog. You show them love and they will love you back unconditionally. When I am happy, he is too. Happy to play, to walk, to snuggle. When I am sad, he seems to know that what I need is a cuddle and big sloppy kisses and he is happy to oblige. I confide in him, chat to him. He looks at me, head tilted, and I swear he understands what I am saying.
He is our self-professed Neighbourhood Watch. He loves to sit in the garden listening to the sounds of neighbours going about their business. Warning us if someone is getting into their car, Amazon drivers are delivering, or if foxes and squirrels have the audacity to walk past our gate. However did we manage without this level of security!
He loves his extended family and particularly his Nanny Biscuits. He is happy when I say her name, wagging his tail, ready to cover her in kisses when she arrives (with biscuits of course!).
He has his doggy friends over for playdates and visits them. I used to laugh at that, now it feels quite natural to be responsible for arranging my dog’s social life.
Sometimes he can be annoying. He’s part-terrier so very determined when he gets something into his head and doesn’t want to listen to my instructions. There’s usually water, a ball or a squirrel involved in these situations. Our walks can sometimes become a battle of wills, if he finds a blade of grass he hasn’t yet sniffed, a squirrel he hasn’t chased, he won’t move until I let him. It can be frustrating, but it doesn’t last. I love his independent character as well as his loving nature.
He has taught me you don’t have to bear a grudge. When I tell him off for something he has done, he will look at me, wander off to have a drink or fetch a toy and come back to me as if nothing has happened. He knows I have told him no, but he’s not upset, he still loves me, he’s moved on. There’s no point in me continuing to be cross with him, he doesn’t understand why.
My dog has changed my life considerably. Do I regret it? Not one little bit. He completes our little family; we are the three musketeers sharing our life and adventures together, I hope for many more years to come.
The Wonder of our First Dog(Mary Worsley)
“OK, we can get a dog”. There, I’d said it, no going back now. My husband Paul looked at me in shock. He had wanted a dog the whole 37 years of our marriage, but I had always said no. I had felt it would be too restrictive as we both had busy jobs, liked to travel and had a busy social life. I really felt our lifestyle wouldn’t suit a dog and it would be unfair on the dog if we were hardly around. But now we were both facing early retirement and I had thought long and hard and it seemed like the right time. Paul and I talked about it for the rest of the evening, wanting to make sure we had considered all the implications. We both agreed it was the right time and made the decision. Paul was over the moon, “we are actually going to get a dog, I can’t believe it, thank you” he said excitedly.
We endlessly discussed what sort of dog we wanted. We both had specific ideas on the ‘perfect’ dog and agreed we wanted a puppy. We knew it would be hard work initially, but with the right training we were sure we would end up with the dog we wanted. We hadn’t anticipated how much work it would be though!
We went to look at some beautiful Terrier/Spaniel-cross puppies. We arrived and were greeted by 8 little balls of fluff all running towards us. I wanted them all, but one little pup made himself known to us early on. He climbed onto our laps, snuggled, gave kisses, we were hooked. They say the dog will pick you, I really felt that was the case. We took our little Rufus home, our 9-week-old bundle of joy.
Paul and I felt we were ready for a dog. We had read the books, watched the YouTube videos, bought the doggy ‘stuff’, food, beds, blankets, toys. I was determined our little pup would have everything he needed. We were to realise later that he didn’t need ALL the stuff (we were a marketers dream)!
We took him home and in no time at all we were besotted. He left footprints on our heart (as well as on the sofa and carpet!). He settled in quickly and made our house his home. We were soon to realise that a house with white walls and light grey carpet was a challenge with a dog that liked mud and water, but we were ready with the cleaning supplies and a huge pile of doggy towels.
We were less prepared for the immediate changes he would bring to our life. Battling through the night-time toilet training and feeding regime, setting the alarm to get up every couple of hours to take him into the garden, making sure we were consistent with the training. Paul took to it immediately but for me it initially felt like loss of independence. I couldn’t just up and go out when I wanted, we now had this little guy to consider. It was hard, yes (particularly the sharp little puppy teeth which were mostly aimed at me, our little landshark) and sometimes I did wonder what on earth I was doing. But I kept telling myself it was worth it, and it was. We really do now have the gorgeous little dog we wanted, and we love him to bits.
We are responsible for him, his needs and wants. We want to make his life as happy as we can, they are with us for such a short time. He is 3 years old now, I can’t believe how quickly it has passed. I can’t think about our life without him.
He makes us laugh every day. We explore new places together and he’s happy with any opportunity to play in water, dig, chase balls. We share a love of the beach; we are creating new memories together.
I didn’t realise how my life would change. In the past, when friends couldn’t meet up because they couldn’t leave their dog, I remember rolling my eyes. I am now one of those people. If my dog isn’t welcome, I don’t want to go. Holidays abroad no longer feature in our plans; we are enjoying exploring the beautiful English countryside with our faithful little sidekick.
I often wonder what is going through his head. What does he think of us, of his life, is he happy? I need to remember life is simpler for a dog. You show them love and they will love you back unconditionally. When I am happy, he is too. Happy to play, to walk, to snuggle. When I am sad, he seems to know that what I need is a cuddle and big sloppy kisses and he is happy to oblige. I confide in him, chat to him. He looks at me, head tilted, and I swear he understands what I am saying.
He is our self-professed Neighbourhood Watch. He loves to sit in the garden listening to the sounds of neighbours going about their business. Warning us if someone is getting into their car, Amazon drivers are delivering, or if foxes and squirrels have the audacity to walk past our gate. However did we manage without this level of security!
He loves his extended family and particularly his Nanny Biscuits. He is happy when I say her name, wagging his tail, ready to cover her in kisses when she arrives (with biscuits of course!).
He has his doggy friends over for playdates and visits them. I used to laugh at that, now it feels quite natural to be responsible for arranging my dog’s social life.
Sometimes he can be annoying. He’s part-terrier so very determined when he gets something into his head and doesn’t want to listen to my instructions. There’s usually water, a ball or a squirrel involved in these situations. Our walks can sometimes become a battle of wills, if he finds a blade of grass he hasn’t yet sniffed, a squirrel he hasn’t chased, he won’t move until I let him. It can be frustrating, but it doesn’t last. I love his independent character as well as his loving nature.
He has taught me you don’t have to bear a grudge. When I tell him off for something he has done, he will look at me, wander off to have a drink or fetch a toy and come back to me as if nothing has happened. He knows I have told him no, but he’s not upset, he still loves me, he’s moved on. There’s no point in me continuing to be cross with him, he doesn’t understand why.
My dog has changed my life considerably. Do I regret it? Not one little bit. He completes our little family; we are the three musketeers sharing our life and adventures together, I hope for many more years to come.
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Denise Arnault
01/16/2025This was a good read that brought back so many memories. It explains the reasons not and the reasons to have a dog very well. I miss my last little fur buddy so much, but have resolved to wait to replace him until all this retirement fueled travel slows down. The worst part, that you alluded to, is their brief stay in our lives. Thanks!
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Barry
01/16/2025As a dog lover, I share your sentiments I'm particularly glad that you didn't sugar coat you emotions; realism gets the message across far better than benign niceties. Very well written and a lot of attention to the minute details that all us dog enthusiasts deal with on a daily basis.
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