Reflections From The Kitchen Sink on Why We Don’t Need a Dog
We don’t need a dog
“We don’t need a dog. We can’t manage the responsibility.”
What happened yesterday? My words from the last three years became trash, and we adopted a dog.
I know, I really worked those stern mom moments.
She’s pretty cute though. Her name is Lola, and, I think, she is now in charge of everything here but the mortgage. That didn’t take long, did it? Did I mention we didn’t need a dog?
By now, you know me. I’m sappy. I long for yesteryear. The last 15 years or so have been, according to my judgement, a tech nightmare. We focus on impersonal communication and live in the world of virtual responsibility. Sim City. Sim Farm. Sim everything. We simulated interactions and tasks so much that we don’t know how to function in the real world. We often stay in our self-centered bubbles and can’t see past the screens just a few inches from our faces.
When my husband died a few years ago, we rushed from appointment to appointment. Therapy visits. Legal appointments. Court days. We had all that and just the mind-numbing elements of grief. With our being gone so much, I thought it best to rehome our pet family members. Each time was an emotional nightmare. We cried. We hugged. We cried some more. There was a connection, but there wasn’t a capability to provide the best living situation. Now, here we are…we are going to try it again.
Lola in all her fluffiness came to us partially trained, rather calm for a puppy, and ready to cuddle. The boys knew she was their dog—I didn’t need a dog—but I may have already held her like a small child a few times. She wraps her front paws around your neck like she knows you need some affection. It’s so cute!
Wait a minute! She’s not my dog. I don’t need a dog.
Ever have one of those moments when you think you’re doing something for someone else, but you unintentionally get a little kickback joy from it? That may have happened with this fluffball. Oops.
The boys half-awake took her outside in the dark of the morning in the pouring rain for a couple bathroom trips. They didn’t complain. It’s just day one, but I think they are ready for the pleasant distraction Lola will bring. Caring for someone or something outside of yourself promotes healthy life habits and thinking. Well, I think it does. I’m no psychological expert, but I’ve been around the reality block a few times, and that’s been my observation.
It may take a fancy ball shoe getting chewed up or a phone charger being mangled to keep the boys on their toes, but I’m sensing some sweet lessons coming to our little home here in the Pig suburb where we didn’t need a dog…until yesterday…
Lola and I are going to make our food plan and grocery list for the week now. What have I done to myself?!? Holy cow! Or should that be “holy dog”?
As a side note, it was a sweet friend from whom we acquired Lola. There are so many wonderful pets available at local shelters though, too. If you’re thinking you are ready to share your life and space with a special furry friend, don’t overlook your options there. Also remember like Bob Barker used to remind us to spay and neuter to help control the population and protect these sweet babies. Responsible ownership is so important.
It’s time for Lola and I to go for a little walk, but we will return to my cup of coffee here at the sink shortly.
…until next time…
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Bio-Melinda Campbell is a retired educator who currently focuses her efforts on raising her two teenaged boys, advocating for individuals with special needs and against drunk driving, and serving in her local community. Melinda has been gaining recognition for her writings labeled “Reflections from my Kitchen Sink” since the tragic death of her husband Michael in 2015. In her stories, she shares observations from her daily life including moments she has as a solo parent, a widow, and a woman who battles significant health issues including fibromyalgia and depression.
