Since more people are hanging out at home, there has been a massive uptick in pet adoptions. It warms my heart that so many fur-kids are finding families. To celebrate, we are spending the week meeting some of the new adoptees.
If you are trying to decide if you should get a dog, maybe my friend Philip’s story of his pup Bodhi will help you decide.
Bodhi’s Story
We had been talking about getting a dog for years. Despite a unanimous desire to have a fluffy four-legged creature running about our house, it was never the right time. The kids were too young, our work was too busy, I was starting a new job, we just finished with diapers, and I’m not ready to pick up someone else’s poop. So it came as a bit of surprise that on the second day of the quarantine, my wife declared, “We are getting a dog!”
The kids were immediately on board, as they would have been for the previous three years. I, on the other hand, was a little dubious. We have to stay inside for a few weeks, so let’s get a dog for the next 12 to 13 years? My hesitation was quickly drowned out by my kids and a determined wife.
The next day we headed down to a local shelter to look at dogs for adoption. Apparently, we weren’t the only people that thought this would be an excellent time to get a dog to fill our days and offer us some comfort in these unusual times. The shelter had no dogs available. They had been cleaned out. The local SPCA was similarly depleted, so my disappointed children had to wait. Fortunately for us, my brother-in-law worked with a woman who volunteers for an adoption agency that had just received a litter of pups looking for new homes. Megan, my wife, wasted no time, and by that Tuesday, we had an appointment to meet Bodhi (Previously Manhattan. He was in a litter that included Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten, and Queen).
Bodhi Comes Home
Bodhi was an instant hit. He came over to us immediately, wagging his tail so hard his whole butt wiggled. He jumped and rolled and nipped and played. My kids were thrilled, my wife in love, and I knew that we had a new family member joining us very soon. About three days later, after some paperwork, an interview, reference checks, and a small adoption fee, we were driving home with our little buddy.
We tried to get the house ready for Bodhi. We bought a crate and toys and dog food and dog treats. It didn’t take Bodhi long to get comfortable in our home. He liked his toys and loved to play, which was high on my son’s list of dog demands. At the same time, Bodhi loved to snuggle, which was a top priority on my daughter’s wish list. We were all smitten and overjoyed to have this new family member join us in this time of quarantine.
The first night our little guy wailed so much in the crate that we relented and said he could sleep with one of the kids, but only for tonight. He was a very good boy, making it through the night without incident. Two and a half months later, he has yet to spend a night in his crate and snuggles up with each kid on alternating nights, as if he knows whose turn it is.
A Donut or Two for Bodhi
Bodhi settled in quickly, loving any soft surface in the house to take his many naps. The kids soon lost access to their bean bag chair, as Bodhi claimed that as his own in the playroom. Any pillow in the house was marked for bed duty as well. He complained in my or my wife’s offices since there was not a soft place for him to lay while we work, so my wife did a little research and bought The Original Calming Shag Vegan Fur Donut Cuddler 23 x 23 from Bestfriends by Sheri.
It was an instant hit! It has a padded raised rim that is very chewable and fluffy faux shag fur that is supremely soft. Bodhi would spend a few seconds chewing the padded raised lip before executing a 360-degree spin and plopping down in its center, head drooped over the edge, and falling asleep so fast that it would produce envy to anyone who can’t get to sleep at night. Not only did Bodhi love it, we felt they looked pretty nice, like a fun throw rug that gave our office a hip splash.
It was soon apparent we would need to buy a second, as Bodhi would attempt to drag his bed from one room to the next as he periodically checked in on each of us during our workday. We opted for the larger size as Bodhi was growing quickly, and our initial thought that he was going to be a small dog changed into a who knows mentality.
Love in the Time of Corona
We also had to build a fence to let Bodhi out in the yard without worry. Bodhi became fast friends with Andrew, who built the fence as he would hang out with him while he dug holes for the posts. Bodhi was so inspired by his work he dug quite a few holes himself.
Our impulsive decision to get a dog in the first days of the pandemic has been the best decision we could have made. Bodhi has brought us joy and entertainment, therapy and comfort, love, and fun. We have all bonded, and it is tough to imagine a life before him. So here’s to many years of snuggles and play, new dog beds, squeaky toys, doggie treats, long walks wagging at neighbors, and movie nights snuggled up on the couch. Thanks, Bodhi, for bringing us some much-needed love in the time of Corona.
So, Should I Get a Dog?
You always hear that getting a dog is a huge commitment, but if you have never had a dog before, it’s hard to understand what that means. Here are a few things to consider before adopting a new dog.
Big Little Changes
There will be a shift in your lifestyle. Are you ready to add daily walks, multiple mealtimes, late-night tee-tee breaks, and plenty of face licks to your daily routine? Think about the next six months of your life and try to imagine a new dog being around for those future events. Vacation planning will now include finding a sitter or dog boarder. Entertaining could mean additonal cleaning before guests arrive, and your friends could potentially like the dog more than you. Be ready to share the affection. Your morning routine will now include feeding and walking before getting out the door for work. Don’t worry if you like to sleep in, the snooze button will be permanently disabled by the dog’s pleading to be fed. The upside is you might make it to work on time.
Pet Budget
There are a ton of fun things you get to purchase when you get a new pup like an Instagram-worthy leash, a fashionable dog bed, and fancy-pants dog bowls. Don’t forget chi-chi dog food. There are some less fun things that you should plan for like Vet bills and Heartworm/Tick prevention. You might also want to consider creating emergency medical savings or pet insurance.
Training Time
Puppies will require a lot of attention in the beginning. They are like newborns who can already walk and need constant engagement while you house train them. If you adopt an older dog, they may already be house trained and a little more mellow but could have some old behaviors you need to work on. Don’t over look adopting older pups.
In the beginning, there will be lots of training. First up is doggie training school, and then there are the hours of practicing the things you learned in class. It can actually be a fun way to spend time with your dog, and a little daily training goes a long way. BTW – They call it “Dog training,” but the human is getting just as much training as the dog.
Letting Go of Material Things
Getting a dog is a great way to let go of your connection to material things. (This tip could also fall into the budget category) Be prepared to let go of some of your favorite items. You will need to puppy proof your home, but be emotionally prepared if there is a security breach in the system.
When we first adopted August, we puppy-proofed a bedroom where he lived for the first couple of months he was with us. He was supervised when he was in any other part of the house. He was still able to take down three remote controls, the left shoe to four of my favorite pairs of shoes, and the seat cushion to the outdoor couch. It was a little heartbreaking at times to see my favorite household items torn to shreds in his little hang-out under our Tulip Poplar. Then I would remember how much joy this German Shepard has brought to our life and crying over the mangled brand new West Elm duvet seemed silly. August makes me a better person one chewed shoe at a time.
Pro Tip: Chaco and Teva will restring chewed straps for less than it would cost to get a new pair.
I don’t regret for a minute adopting our three dogs and cat. They are our family and a wonderful part of our lives. Like anything you love, it takes time and effort, but also comes with generous face-licking rewards.
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