To paraphrase from “Life with Marley” … “a person can learn a lot from a dog.” Molly (inspiration behind Molly Mine and my amazing “suckiepoo” named because she is a cross bread of toy poodle, Lhasa Apso and pure suck) has taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. She has taught me to appreciate a simple walk around the neighborhood, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight and her unbridled love of a fresh snowfall has almost made winter bearable. Mostly, she has taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering love.
Through her, I have met my neighbors – all those wonderful people, who would usually remain nameless as they hurried about their busy urban lives, I now know because they have dogs and we meet as we amble around the local park. It’s because of Molly that I know that there are stay-at-home-moms, nannies, work-from-home IT techs, doctors, lawyers, marketing execs, finance guys, entrepreneurs, sales reps, and so much more living around me. It’s because of Molly that we are invited to our first ever first birthday doggy party next weekend and our 5th annual Superbowl Party where we don’t have to drive and my dog can come along.
And all this amazingness was serendipity… maybe part of life’s bigger plan. We had taken our cat to the vet for some grooming when we were met at the door with “have I got the dog for you!” We weren’t planning on a dog. Our lives were too busy for that. We had talked of getting a dog in some dim future when things slowed down. But here we were and there she was, a tiny bundle of grey hair and big black eyes. She also knew how to snuggle (and that has remained her biggest skill).
It was a heart melting experience and so we became new “parents” without plans and without knowledge. We didn’t know how to “train” a dog so we signed up for “puppy training classes” at the local pet shop. Really should have been named “puppy parents’ training classes” because she has trained us well.
Now everything is not all lightness and wonderful, Molly has a tendency to not eat (which confounds the vet because he’s never known a dog that will hold out for the food she wants even when she should be starving), which used to send me into fits of despair and even a trip to the vet to be put on an IV drip for dehydration. Now I know to wait her out and no she can’t have cheese and prosciutto.
Molly is my constant companion. A source of solace and peace I’ve never known before. It is amazing how much love and laughter a dog brings into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them. My only regret… we didn’t adopt her sister at the same time.
Check out the 5 reasons why you need a dog (taken from some website that teaches you about dogs):
1) Provides constant companionship .
As long as their basic needs are met (food, water, etc...), a pet will provide round the clock love and affection without asking for much in return. It won't love you and then change its mind or ditch you at the last minute. It's there for you always and needs you.
2) Allows you to open up without worry
Maybe writing in a journal is not for you. You may want a living outlet where you can openly express yourself without fear of reprisal. A pet will not judge or disagree with you. It's only there to listen (even if it can't understand a word you're saying, at least you're getting things off your chest). No misunderstandings, no fuss, no having to wait until your turn to talk... what more could you ask for?
3) Gives you a reason to work out.
Even if you feel as though your life is fulfilled, you may want to burn a few extra calories and find an excuse to get some fresh air. Needless to say, a dog enables you to walk and run considerably more, thus healing your mind and body at the same time.
4) Offers distraction
A pet can serve to keep your mind off of the constant strain in your life. Playing with your dog or cat, or even watching your fish swim for 20 minutes, can keep you from thinking about your work pileup, the clothes that need to be washed, or the bills that have yet to be paid. Everyone needs that window of opportunity to escape from the hassles of daily life, and a pet can help.
5) Gives you a sense of purpose
For those who feel as though they're walking numbly through life, nurturing an animal companion may help you feel like you're accomplishing something. After all, you are taking care of another living thing. There's a certain parent-like pride you feel in watching your pet grow strong and healthy.
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