The Best Little Companion
It was around this time of year, two years ago, that I was in the process of preparing for my new puppy's arrival. As an adult, I always wanted a dog but for many years, I did not have the lifestyle to provide a good, quality life for one. I worked long hours, was under a lot of stress, and traveled frequently. I didn't feel my situation and lifestyle would be best for a dog or for me. After I moved into a different type of role within healthcare IT and started working remotely, yet still traveling, I thought I was in a little better position to welcome a dog into my life. I still kept researching, then stalling.
One day, I took a good look at my age and how many years I had been thinking about this and decided that there may never be the perfect or right time to get a dog. Lots of busy people make this work, so why was I discounting what I could do? With lots of encouragement and support from friends and family, especially my mom, I decided to get Leo, my mini-bernedoodle.
For the first few months, there were times when I wasn't sure I made the right decision. This was usually as I was cleaning up some type of bodily fluid off my floor or when I was outside in 30-degree weather in the very early morning or late at night, rushing my little guy along to do his thing while I was freezing, and he was making playtime out of it. Leo had some bad habits in his young, puppy days. He had these nighttime "zoomies" episodes outside that were hard to manage and scary, at times. He would get into this rage of sorts, where he would run around, sometimes back and forth and sometime in circles, while on a leash, and nothing could stop him. He went through a biting phase (not aggressive, just when playing) and of course, I couldn't leave anything on the floor because of his chewing. A lot of this would be solved through training, more exercise, and him growing out of it, 'they said'.
Regretfully, it did cross my mind that it might be best to rehome him, as I was also traveling a lot, having to board him sometimes and shuttle him back and forth to my parents’ house so they could take care of him. Getting myself ready for trips takes time but having a dog adds even more time needed to pack him up and drop him off at boarding. I wanted him to have the best life, and I wasn't sure I could provide it.
Those thoughts became less frequent as we got routines in place, potty training fully accomplished, and training solidified. It took time but of corse, patience isn't my strong suit. Leo has learned and now he listens, has good manners (most of the time), and is well-known around the neighborhood. He's doing well and is a good boy. Leo is here to stay, and I'm so glad I have him because a lot has happened in the short time he has been with me.
Last summer, my mom passed away suddenly after being sick for only a few weeks. My world was turned upside down very quickly when she was in and out of the hospital and rehab, and after she was gone, I was glad to never have to walk into an empty house. As I open the door, this little guy is always there to greet me. He's been by my side during some terribly sad days and nights, and taking care of him has helped me through it. He makes me smile.
Next came the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in stay-at-home orders. He's been the greatest little companion through all of it, giving me a great reason to get out of the house and take walks throughout the day, which were essential to me in staying both mentally and physically healthy. He's really enjoying having me home so much now that I'm not traveling, and its made me re-evaluate ever going back to traveling as much as I did pre-coronavirus.
My mom played such a big role in inspiring me to get a dog and helping me get Leo. She and my dad even picked him up and drove him here from Ohio, after a hurricane delayed his pickup by a week, and I could no longer go due to commitments that could not be changed. After I got him, she was the one who reminded me to be patient with him and calmed me down when I was so frustrated with him in his puppy stages. She had a unique way with dogs. We jokingly called her the dog whisperer. She knew how to train them well, and her secret was to give them tons of love and always talk to them.
My mom helped me get Leo, and he helped me through an unbearable time when she was so sick and had to leave us.
Mom knew best. She always did.