Dog appreciation
A few months ago, I got out of a very, very toxic relationship with a man i was so trauma bonded to that it felt like i was going to die from heartbreak when i left. We lived together and had a poodle together for a year, but the pup was really mine. I was the one who primarily fed him, walked him, paid for everything, etc. I genuinely believe God knew I needed this dog to be able to survive that heartbreak. When the 3 of us lived together, my dog was extremely playful and normally would sleep on the floor at night (even though our bed was big and could fit him). My dog would come sit in front of me when me and my ex would argue and jump on him when he got too close. After my ex moved out, for about two months, all I did was work, come home, and cry for hours (obviously still taking my dog out in between and making sure his needs are met, don’t come for me). While i would lay on the floor and cry, my dog would bring me every toy in his box one by one and lay on top of me and try to lick my tears away. He started cuddling me at night, even though he was never much of a cuddler. I took a solo roadtrip for about a week with my dog where we went on hikes every day and visited new places. When i couldnt stop crying he would do silly things to make me laugh. I was never allowed out of his sight. When i would start getting anxious, it seemed like he could detect it and came running up to me. When i would have panic attacks and couldnt stop my hands from shaking and going crazy, he would forcibly remove them from my body so i didnt hurt myself. Now that i am a single woman living alone, i get scared on walks sometimes but he has already in two occasions been correctly protective. Watching him play with my nephews has been such a heartwarming experience, and it makes them want to hang out with me more now that im the cool aunt with a fun dog lol. He was my rock for such a long time, and my biggest reason for getting up even when i did not want to. He still is honestly.
A lot of my friends think i am crazy because i will leave the function if we are out for more than a few hours and my dog is home alone. They do not understand that this stinking dog brought me back to life when i needed it so badly.
Anyways, my point is, get a dog. They are genuinely amazing companions and will meld into your life. I am profoundly grateful to have gotten him when i did and to be able to experience such a loving and loyal doggy.