It’s a dog’s life

It’s been too long since I last wrote, sorry about that. I struggled with what to write about this time because lots of things have happened but I wasn’t sure that this was the right place to share. Maybe you don’t need to hear about absolutely everything!

One thing I haven’t written about is the dog. The dog. I am a dog owner, I own a dog. I don’t have 2 children, I’m not mum to a fur baby, my daughter does not have a brother, I have a dog. Ok.

Our dog is 3 years old, still very much like a puppy. He is a funny mix of miniature schnauzer and pug. Kind of a cut and shut dog, pug from behind, schnauzer from the front. You have a picture in your mind? It’s probably not that.

When people see our dog, it can elicit an extreme of responses. Anything from a sympathetic, “is he the runt of the litter” pity response to him being the most beautiful dog they’ve ever seen. You see it from miles off, people saying to their partners “look at him”, “look at his teeth”. You see, he has a massive underbite, meaning he either looks angry, or a bit dim, particularly when only one tooth is poking up the side of his mouth. He also has the schnauzer eyebrows and beard so a real mix.

Has he changed our lives? Of course. Instead of a babysitter, we now need a dog sitter. When making plans, we have to consider him. We have to go out in all weathers because he’ll still need a poo.

Our dog likes to bark. At everything. You know that theory that dogs can’t see what we can? I don’t think that’s true. He seems to see every animal everywhere. On the tv, on a lamppost, somewhere in the distance. He’s protecting his family from all these dangers, a responsibility he takes very seriously. This responsibility extends to outside too. Lucky us! So we also need protecting it would seem from anyone wearing a hi-vis, riding a scooter or moped, anyone who has the audacity to appear from round a corner, and well behaved dogs. Oh and it’s not just barking, it can often be a high pitched, baby type cry too so there’s lovely. He really is convinced that if we would just let him off the lead, all these problems could be resolved. Maybe we should let him off the lead in the Houses of Parliament!

Then there’s his funny little habits. Like having to go round in circles before settling on a suitable spot to poo in. A bit like me trying to park round our way now that the students are back. Or having his breakfast and then going straight to my daughters room for a snuggle.

Our dog is hard work. We need to work harder at training him, although it is clear that he understands some things. Maybe then, he’s just choosing to not learn the other stuff!

He’s at his happiest out in the park catching a ball, over and over again. It’s like he can’t believe his luck that you’ve thrown the ball again. I imagine him telling his dog mates what an amazing time he’s had. “And then right, she threw the ball again, I couldn’t believe it!” Don’t be silly, he’s just a dog.

My husband and daughter would love to get another dog but for me it’s an absolute no. In fact I would encourage anyone to think very seriously before getting a dog.

Having said all that, the cliches about a dog’s love really are true. His excitement when you walk through the door, cuddles on the sofa, spotting you from a distance, it’s the best. Being a dog owner is tough and frustrating at times, but I wouldn’t change it.