I am good at making lame excuses.
I want to bring in a new canine friend into my life, but the pessimist in me came up with many excuses for why I should not get another dog (for now).
In case it's helpful, below are the topics covered in this post:
Why I Want Another Dog
Last November, I lost my senior dog, Shadow. While his death was inevitable, it was difficult to deal with. Shadow was my best friend and doggy soulmate for nearly sixteen years.
My small dog, Rascal, also misses Shadow terribly. Rascal cried frequently for weeks.
Although he's getting used to being a solo dog, especially with the extra personalized attention I have given him, Rascal still has moments when he stops and cries. It is clear to me that he misses his best friend who had a paw in raising him.
I want Rascal to have a canine friend at home once again. Maybe he will lend a paw in raising a new puppy as well. Meeting dogs outside of the house is nice, but Rascal was a part of a larger pack at home for over seven years.
I also miss having another dog around the house. Shadow was a loyal "Velcro" dog. He was always by my side no matter what was going on. I never realized how much I would miss having a dog by my side every minute I am home.
Rascal is an affectionate dog, but he graciously divides his time between my Dad and I. I love that he feels obligated to distribute his love and attention to us equally, but I admit that I selfishly miss having at least one dog that was solely dedicated to keeping me company.
Does wanting a "Velcro" dog make me selfish? It feels like it does. I was raised to put others before myself, and yet all I want more than anything right now is to invite another dog into my life.
Some important people in my life (and a few strangers I met at the parks) suggested that I should get another dog. My Dad and friends claim that I have shown evidence that I am a good dog owner.
Unfortunately, I do not feel like a good enough dog owner. I am not horrible, but I feel there are better dog owners out in the world.
The pessimist in me could not help but create a list of excuses for why I should not get another dog, at least not any time soon.
My Lame Excuses
Below are some (not all) of the excuses I make for not getting another dog:
I am not worthy of another dog in my life.
Another dog deserves better than me.
I will not be able to provide another dog with everything it needs to live a happy, fulfilling life.
My lack of experience as a dog owner/trainer may lead to unwanted behavior I could not figure out how to address properly.
My house is not currently puppy proof, and my laziness is making the re-org take longer.
There is a possibility that Rascal and another dog will not be compatible canine companions.
Perhaps I overthink about the worst that can happen, but that is how my pessimistic mind works. It also does not help that I feel guilty and responsible for my late dog's death, despite being told that his strokes were outside of my control.
My Dad's Response to My Excuses
Dad suggested I should give Rascal lots of individual attention over several months (which I have been doing), but insists that I should adopt another dog one day.
Any time getting another dog came up in conversation, I would give an excuse as to why I should not get one.
Yesterday after Dad started the conversation about getting another dog, I said, "I don't deserve another dog." He replied with, "That's like saying another dog doesn't deserve to get adopted."
Dad then explained that there are some people who would adopt a puppy only to return it to a shelter later because it was too difficult to handle or was not the right fit for their lives. He complained that some people do not do their research or take the time necessary to find a dog that suited them best.
Before long, he reminded me of people from my past that failed with their dog adoptions. For example, there was a colleague who returned her puppy to the shelter within twenty-four hours. After months of research and questioning those of us who owned dogs, she said she thought we were overexaggerating how much work went into caring for a puppy. She returned the puppy because it cried all night.
Dad finished our discussion by letting me know that I also do not believe I deserve Rascal in my life. Would I give up Rascal with hopes that he would find a better owner that would give him a better life? No. I often say my dogs are stuck with me because I made the decision to care for them their entire lives.
He pointed out ways I cared for my dogs and the changes I accepted when Shadow's mobility worsened. Dad reminded me that Shadow was very playful and happy in the living room just two hours before he died. Technically, Shadow was happy 'til the day he died.
If nothing else, Dad said that there was more than enough evidence that I am a good dog owner and was worthy of having another dog.
At least for a while, Dad managed to shut up the pessimist in me.
What's Next?
Will I adopt another dog? As of now, I do not know. I will continue to provide my small dog, Rascal, the individual attention he deserves. At least that way if I do decide to get another dog, Rascal will not be jealous or think that I am replacing him.
Comment below to share your why you did or did not adopt a dog after losing one.
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Thanks, and have a great day!
Simply Jelly Jam
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