On this day three months ago, we welcomed a new member to our tiny family.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted a pet. Granted, as a child I was terrified of dogs and too excited to pet cats, so the idea of having a pet was never a realistic one. I grew up with the idea that a happy family included some sort of animal friend to be complete (TV shows and movies fed this idea for years), and I thought that maybe my family needed a furry friend to reach that happiness and wellness. As an adult, I am very well aware that a pet would not have fixed anything magically at the time.
I realize now that to younger me, the idea of having a pet meant stability, safety, and some level of being okay. I was used to unpredictability, which factored into my constant moving around, until last year.
Last year we purchased a home and have been working hard to create our sanctuary. I have been learning what it is to have stability and some predictability, so the timing to get a pet felt right.
After looking through countless pet listings and meeting a few dogs, we finally found the one for us and she has brought life and excitement to our home. She is sassy, smart, cuddly, sweet, loving, loyal, and a total velcro dog- truly, a Labradoodle. She’s a senior dog, but she truly feels like a puppy. Having her has brought good changes to our home, my well-being/health, and even my personality.
She is teaching me more than I thought a dog could teach me. These past three months, she has been teaching and reminding me to go outside, take in the fresh air, and bask in the sun. Seeing her stand still with her eyes closed while embracing the wind and sunlight reminds me that the little things bring the most joy. She reminds me that the outdoors and good company are the best medicine. Above all, she constantly reminds me to live in the moment.
Meet our fluffy family member, Pippa!
