Okay, so you’re thinking about getting a dog. I get it. Those puppy-dog eyes are hard to resist, right? They pull at your heartstrings and suddenly your apartment feels…empty. But listen, friend, before you rush off to the shelter or breeder, let’s have a real talk. A brutally honest, heart-to-heart about the joys (and yeah, the struggles) of dog ownership. I’m not trying to scare you off. I love my dog, Ollie, more than words can say. But I definitely went into this whole thing a little…blind.
The Unexpected Time Commitment
Seriously, the biggest thing nobody prepared me for was the sheer amount of *time* a dog needs. It’s not just the walks (although those alone can feel like a part-time job, especially in the winter). It’s the training, the playing, the cuddling (which, admittedly, I don’t mind), the vet appointments, the grooming… you name it. And if you get a puppy? Forget about sleep for, like, six months.
Remember when I thought I’d have all this extra time to work on my side hustle? Ha! Ollie decided that time was for chewing on my shoes and demanding belly rubs. I mean, who am I to argue with that face? It’s definitely been a tradeoff, though. I’ve had to be way more strategic about my work hours and, honestly, some of my personal hobbies have taken a backseat. Before getting Ollie, I was spending a lot of time doing pottery, that’s just not possible anymore. Now, my art form is trying to get Ollie to be a good boy on walks. Who knew picking up poop could be such an artistic endeavor? But all the work is worth it. Every single bit.
The Financial Reality Bites
Let’s talk money, honey. Because that adorable little furball comes with a hefty price tag. It’s not just the initial adoption fee or purchase price. It’s the food (and the good stuff isn’t cheap!), the toys (which they’ll probably destroy in five minutes anyway), the vet bills (prepare for some surprises there), the grooming, the dog walker if you work long hours… the list goes on and on.
I remember thinking I’d be able to get away with the cheapest dog food possible. Ollie’s digestive system quickly corrected me on that assumption. Turns out, sensitive stomachs are a real thing. And vet bills? Ugh, don’t even get me started. I definitely recommend pet insurance, it’s honestly a lifesaver. I had this idea in my head that it was a waste of money but after one emergency vet visit that cost me over $500, I learned my lesson. I seriously regretted trying to cheap out.
Your Social Life Will Change. Dramatically.
Okay, this one might sting a little. Spontaneous happy hour with friends? Weekend getaway? Last-minute concert? Suddenly, all those things require a lot more planning. Who’s going to watch your dog? Can you even *afford* a dog sitter that weekend? Is your dog even well-behaved enough to be left with someone else?
I remember when my friends planned a surprise birthday trip for another friend and I was so hyped to go, that is until the thought of Ollie hit me like a train. I didn’t have the money to board him, and I felt terrible having to ask one of my friends to watch him. I decided to be a responsible dog owner and stay behind with my pup. I had a bit of FOMO, but seeing Ollie happily snoozing on the couch next to me made it a little better. It’s definitely a trade-off, but it’s one I’ve learned to live with (and mostly enjoy).
The “Bad Dog” Days Will Happen
No matter how much training you do, there will be days when your dog acts like a total jerk. They might chew up your favorite shoes, have an accident on your new rug, or bark incessantly at the mailman (even though he comes *every single day*). It’s frustrating, it’s annoying, and it can make you question your sanity.
I had this one week where Ollie seemed to regress completely. He started having accidents in the house, chewing on furniture (even after I’d just given him a chew toy), and barking at everything that moved. I was ready to pull my hair out. I kept thinking, “What am I doing wrong?” I eventually realized he was just going through a phase. A frustrating, furniture-destroying phase, but a phase nonetheless. We doubled down on training and, eventually, he went back to being (mostly) well-behaved. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, folks.
The Guilt is Real
Working long hours? Traveling for business? Even just going out for dinner can trigger a wave of guilt. You know they’re sitting at home, waiting for you, probably staring out the window, wondering where you are and if you’re ever coming back. It’s heartbreaking.
I work from home a lot, so I don’t have to deal with this as much, but when I have to go into the office, the guilt is crippling. I always make sure to give Ollie a good walk before I leave and leave him with plenty of toys, but it never feels like enough. When I get home, the first thing I do is shower him with affection, even if he’s just been sleeping all day. I know it’s probably irrational, but I can’t help it.
But…The Love is Unconditional
Okay, enough of the doom and gloom. Because despite all the challenges, the sleepless nights, and the chewed-up shoes, owning a dog is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Their love is unconditional, their loyalty is unwavering, and their ability to make you laugh is unmatched. They’re always happy to see you, they never judge you, and they’re always there to offer a cuddle when you need it most.
Ollie has gotten me through some tough times. He’s been my constant companion, my furry therapist, and my best friend. He forces me to get outside and be active, he makes me laugh every day, and he fills my life with so much joy. And honestly, who else is going to be as excited to see me when I come home from the grocery store?
Finding the Right Fit
Maybe you’re still reading this and thinking, “Okay, I’m prepared for all of that. I still want a dog!” That’s awesome! But before you dive in headfirst, take some time to think about what kind of dog is the right fit for your lifestyle. Do you have time for a high-energy breed that needs a lot of exercise? Or would you be better suited for a more laid-back companion? Do you live in an apartment or a house with a big yard? Are there kids or other pets in the picture?
I spent weeks researching different breeds before I decided on Ollie. I knew I wanted a dog that was relatively low-energy, good with kids, and adaptable to apartment living. I ended up getting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix, and he’s been the perfect fit for me. So, do your research! It’ll save you (and your future dog) a lot of heartache in the long run.
Training: It’s Not Optional
Seriously, training is crucial. It’s not just about teaching your dog to sit and stay (although those are important too). It’s about building a bond with your dog, establishing clear boundaries, and ensuring that they’re a well-behaved member of society. And honestly, it’s also about preventing them from becoming a tiny, furry tyrant who rules your household with an iron paw.
I made the mistake of thinking I could “wing it” with Ollie’s training. Big mistake. We ended up hiring a professional dog trainer, and it was the best money I ever spent. She taught me how to communicate effectively with Ollie and how to address his specific behavioral issues. Plus, it gave us a chance to bond and work together as a team.
Embrace the Mess
Let’s be real, dogs are messy. They shed, they drool, they track mud into the house, and they sometimes have accidents when you least expect it. If you’re a neat freak, you might need to lower your standards a little (or hire a really good cleaning service).
I used to be obsessed with keeping my apartment spotless. Ollie quickly cured me of that. I’ve learned to embrace the dog hair tumbleweeds, the muddy paw prints, and the occasional slobber stains. It’s all part of the package, and honestly, it’s a small price to pay for all the joy he brings me. I also have about 4 different vacuums now, so there is that!
So, Should You Get a Dog?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get a dog is a personal one. It’s a big commitment, both emotionally and financially. It will change your life in ways you can’t even imagine. But if you’re willing to put in the time, the effort, and the love, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.
I’m not gonna lie, there were definitely moments in the beginning where I was second-guessing myself big time. Was I ready for this? Was I equipped? But honestly, those doubts fade away pretty quickly when you’ve got a furry little buddy snuggled up next to you. Just go in with your eyes wide open, okay? And maybe buy a good lint roller. If you’re as curious as I was, you might want to dig into the different breeds to see if you find a match for your lifestyle.
