Looking at my budget analysis Jack is my #2 expense, right below mortgage/rent. He goes to daycare, has to have special food due to dietary concerns and had a doctor’s appointment today. Now, you may be asking who is Jack? Well, that’s my 53lb fur-kid: my German Shepherd.
I’m your average dog owner who wants to ensure that my fur-kid has the best life he can possible have. He’s my road dawg – loves car trips, hiking, trails…adventure. He’s my home-dawg – will lounge around, watch TV, hang out in the yard…enjoy a snack or two, but overall chill. He likes his space, but wants my company and attention. He’s very social and enjoys playing around with his furry buddies. He can be a bit attitudinal and is smarter than the average the bear.
Five years ago (he was 4yrs old then) as a condition of adoption, I had to take Jack to dog obedience training. I didn’t realize that the training is really for the owner, not the dog. The dog trainer told me that the reason he didn’t initially listen to me was because the intonation in my voice didn’t change – I sounded the same when giving praise as I did when scolding.
Hmmm… then while at home I realized I had trouble hugging on him and cuddling and such – basically giving affection. My God, I couldn’t tell the dog ”I wuv you”. So that got me to thinking, is this how I am in relationships? I bought Jack every toy in the store, the best bedding, the best vet and groomer, day care, exercise…I had trouble giving the actual affection. I was tougher on him and had no patience on things he needed to learn, but let him slide on the things he did know and I was inconsistent. Hmmmm…
Well, five years later I feel that I am a better and more open person because of my furball. I can openly give affection, say I love you (or at least getting better at it), communicating my true feelings and intentions so there’s no confusion – and that’s not just toward him.
In the end, I’ve figured out I want a man just like Jack: quiet, intelligent, handsome, full of personality, athletic, loving, adventurous, can’t wait to see me or spend time with me, as well as dependent and independent all at the same time. I mean, is that too much to ask? Hmmm…guess that‘s why I gotta dog.
Now, all of the things I write are my life's lessons. I share so that maybe others can learn from what I've been through or seen. I don't have all the answers (well, maybe most...) but its something to ponder. I'm not a therapist and this is not intended to provide counseling or advice. Just someone who feels they've learned a thing or two.