I have had dogs all my life, in fact, before I was born, waiting for me was our family dog, a beautiful rough collie called Sandy, but I would like to share how my dogs have changed my life for the better.
They have been a lifelong obsession but it has taken me until now to realise what they have done for me, and what they bring to my life.
The first dog of my own
When I got a home of my own, I took the family dog with me. When she passed I lived for 2 weeks of just me and my cat Molly, until we luckily found the perfect puppy, a beautiful Cavalier King Charles, who I called Jasper.
I had a friend with cavaliers so knew what beautiful friendly dogs they were, and Jasper is just that.
Even as a puppy he was calm, a good as gold angel, so dog ownership was easy, lovely, and good. It was just me, him, and Molly the cat, and we strolled around the park or around the block with no effort or trauma.
Even at 13 Jasper has never changed he is the most laid-back dog ever, I can take him anywhere and he will sleep, fondest memory is on holiday with friends we get back from a walk and they start laughing. I’m wondering what at, it’s Jasper snoring! He can fall asleep in an instant, and snore! Suppose I’m just used to it.
Then came Barney…
To be honest, I wanted a cocker spaniel, and at the time I was looking for local breeders I was either priced out or too late. But I kept looking, knowing one would come along when the time was right.
Then I saw an ad for rottweiler cross cocker spaniels. OMG, how adorable, yes I know all puppies are! I went to look and of course, I fell in love, he was the only boy in the litter, so I paid a deposit and collected him a week later. I called him Barney, we enrolled in puppy school, he was socialised and life was good. Then when Barney was approx 1 year old, my relationship broke down quite dramatically. At the time, I didn’t realise the impact this can have on your dogs and carried on in life.
I started to look for social activities I could do with my dogs and found a local walking group, this was a friendly meet-up group. We really enjoyed chatting and meeting new people and dogs. However Barney was becoming a bit of a handful, selective recall and some reactions to some other dogs, so I started to look for a local dog trainer.
I contacted the lady we had attended puppy classes with, Dogskool, and she had a fun agility class that we could join and would help build his confidence around other dogs and build the obedience back in, great.
And it was, we loved it, it was fun, we met new friends and we played games, especially at the Christmas party. Fancy dress, obstacle courses, most obstacles in a minute, and of course an agility round. I am very proud to say Barney won the agility round the last two years he entered (amongst other games)
He definitely proved you don’t need a collie to do agility.
Barney was an amazing dog all his life, he dragged me out of that comfort zone into this crazy dog life, he was marmite though, he definitely made me be myself and if people didn’t like that, he made me realise don’t waste your time!
In fact, at writing this, I still attend that very same class although I do switch which dog I take, knowing they are all welcome is amazing.
Then life changed again
I had caught the agility bug and saw an advert for a collie that needed rehoming, so I contacted the family.
He had been bought on a whim, on a day out, and did not fit in with the family or the older lady he had been thought of as her companion, and so I took him home.
Some friends met me at home and took my new collie Harvey to the local field while I collected Jasper and Barney, and they were introduced on the field on neutral ground, all was fab, and Harv became part of the gang.
Harvey was very underweight and straggly as a young pup, so I tried different dog foods for him but although he was putting on weight, he wasn’t thriving as much as I liked.
One day, we were at the local dog swimming pool, and the lady that was booked in after us came in the say she was in the car park, and to shout her when the coast was clear as her dog was sometimes reactive to other dogs.
We got chatting and, swapped numbers and met up a few days later, Barney and Minnie were introduced, there were a few grumbles but they made great friends soon after.
And I also made a lifelong friend and she introduced me to the raw diet for dogs, read that story here.
This led me on the healthier, more natural route for my dogs, and why I now have this as a passion and a business, so thank you Jane for that lightbulb moment.
How my dogs have changed my life for the better
Theo, Dodger, and Rebel have also made their way into my family and life.
I’m sure you will hear their stories soon! If you haven’t already!
My dogs have made me many friends, given me great days out and holidays, and introduced me to many hobbies and activities, and inspired my business.
Without them, I wouldn’t have the friends, the hobbies, or the life I have now.
Would I change it? Not for the world!
I understand people have dogs and they are family and loved, and for some, I seem pretty extreme how I include my dogs in most aspects of my life, but for me, they are my joy, and for the close people in my life they understand and are the same.
Could a dog change your life?
I do understand not everyone can have or wants a dog, but if you are thinking about it, definitely look at how it can work for you. They do mean change in your life, but honestly, the joy they can bring is worth it!
There are many dog walkers now that can give your dog a walk or toilet break if you are out at work.
Many attractions, pubs, and days out are now dog friendly.
But also remember that you need a dog that fits you, your life, and your lifestyle.
Not everyone can rescue a dog, I’m definitely not saying puppies are the easy route, trust me Rebel has tested me, but in the same breathe rescues are not for everyone.
So don’t let anyone make you feel guilty about your choice, if you have thought it through, then that is the best for you.
And if you need help just ask, but in the right places, not all advice is good, and not every trainer is the same or will suit you.
My sad loss
At the time of writing, Barney passed a week ago. Am I sad? Yes. Am I sorry? No. He was my beautiful boy and we enjoyed many happy times.
Many say they won’t have another dog because of the heartache, but remember the good times and cherish the moments, and allow another dog to feel that love.
I would love to hear how your pets how changed your life, please drop your stories and/or comments below x
Also let me know what age you got your first dog
