I don't ever remember being without a dog in my life until Pepper passed away in October. From the time I was a child, we always had a dog, sometimes two. We even had a female beagle when I was young that we bred several times, she had several litters, and we often kept a puppy. Dogs have added so much to my life, yet here I am, without a dog.
Since Pepper died I have felt a freedom I have not had for many years. When Ron was sick, I had a schedule that involved being home a lot. In the last years of Pepper's life, he too, needed attention. Now, I no longer have that responsibility, and it feels good. The part I miss most about not having a dog is coming home in the afternoon and having no one greet me at the door. I also miss morning kisses from my four legged friend. Oh, and yes, I miss my afternoons at the dog park with friends from Ocean Hills.
On the other side of the argument is the freedom to not have to return after a period of hours to walk the dog. If I'm out somewhere, and want to go for dinner, I can do so without hesitation. I can plan trips without having to to find a dog sitter. (that can be harder than you might think).
I have to admit I have searched online for rescue dogs more than once, but that's as far as I've gotten. Every time I want to go look, another trip comes up, another bridge tournament that will take me away from home for several days come up, and if I do get a dog, I want to be here to bond with him, to train him, and spend lots of time with him for the first few months.
I know there is a dog in my future, but it might not be right away. I am enjoying travel and long days without having to worry about coming home. They'll be another wonderful dog for me when the time is right.
No comments:
Post a Comment