A dog staying with me recently woke up at 6 AM, and by 9, I felt completely drained. This experience made me reflect deeply on whether I have the motivation or the time to welcome a new dog into my life. This morning reminded me of how our bodies adapt to routines, which is something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately. I want to ensure I provide a good life for any dog I bring home, but also balance it with my own well-being.
I realize that it’s not just about a dog fitting into my life; it’s about making sure I don’t repeat past mistakes—where my entire schedule revolved around my dog. The big question I’ve been asking myself is: Do I have the time for a dog? And honestly, my initial answer was no. I was juggling too many projects, training new dog trainers, working on certifications, and managing commitments in Brazil. However, upon reflecting further, I realized something important—I want to slow down. I want to carve out more time for myself, and hopefully, for a puppy too.
Timing is Everything
I’ve realized that many of my projects would slow down around November and December, giving me a window to reassess my workload. I’ll have more control over how much time I devote to different activities, which makes me feel optimistic about finding space for a dog in the near future. While I can’t have a puppy right now, I’m open to the idea of adopting one in a few months or maybe even next year. I believe planning ahead is crucial to avoid becoming overwhelmed—something I’ve seen happen when people rush into getting a dog without fully thinking it through.
Adapting My Lifestyle
Bringing a dog into my life involves adjusting various aspects of my routine. I work from home, which is convenient for caring for a dog, but I also need to consider my weekends. I love going for long walks, visiting theaters, and spending time at the pub or cinema. These activities don’t always fit well with having a dog, so I might need to hire a pet sitter or reorganize my schedule to come home more frequently. I also live in central London, where I must be mindful of the dog’s temperament and friendliness, especially in a bustling city environment.
If I choose to bring home a puppy, it will require a lot of time and attention, especially in those critical early months. Being self-employed gives me some flexibility to reduce my workload temporarily or even take a holiday to focus on settling the dog. But I don’t want to become overly obsessed with the process, so I’ll aim to strike a balance between work and caring for my new companion.
Preparing for the Long-Term
Traveling is another factor I must consider. I have commitments, including a trip to Brazil, and I know that bringing a dog home right before a big trip wouldn’t be ideal. I want to be present during the early stages of socialization and training to build a strong bond with my dog. Therefore, I’ve decided to avoid long trips within the first three months of getting a dog to ensure I’m fully responsible for its care.
Personal Experience and Lessons Learned
My previous experiences with dogs taught me valuable lessons. Having a dog in a family setting or as part of a couple was much easier because there were more hands to share the responsibilities. But when I got my first dog as an adult, living alone, it was incredibly difficult to balance my personal needs, work, and the demands of the dog. That’s why, this time around, my partner and I have had serious conversations about the shared responsibility of raising a dog. We’ve agreed that if one of us isn’t ready, we’ll put off the idea until we both feel confident.
It’s crucial for us to approach this as a team, something I didn’t fully grasp last time. Although I was the one pushing to get a dog, my partner wasn’t as ready, which led to some challenges, especially with training. Now, we have a much clearer plan, and I feel more confident in relying on our support network of friends and family.
Looking Ahead
At this point, I’ve come to terms with the fact that now is not the right time for me to get a dog, but I’m hopeful that by next summer, or perhaps even sooner, I’ll be ready. I plan to clear out enough space in my life to truly commit to welcoming a dog into my home and creating a happy, balanced life for both of us.
In the next post, I’ll dive deeper into the financial aspects of owning a dog—especially in a city like London. I’m curious to break down the costs and figure out how expensive it really is to raise a dog here.
If you enjoyed this glimpse into my thought process, don’t forget to read the next posts. I’ll see you soon for more insights!
