In this post, I want to reflect on all those things having a dog has taught me. As I write this post, it is ten years to the day that I picked Trixie up to bring home. I always knew that I’d learn a lot through having a dog however, having Trixie has taught me so much more. Both about myself and about the wider world.

Obviously you really need to thing about the care of any animal before you commit to owning one. They aren’t a toy that can be picked up and put down again when you like. They are something that counts on you in order to survive. You are their whole world and deserved to be well looked after.

Having Trixie has taught me so much about myself

As a teenager, my patients was basically non existent. I got bored easily, could quite happily spend all day in bed and just generally thought the world would revolve around me. Of course, it doesn’t.

Here are some of the things having a dog has taught me about myself:

• I can have patience. To stand whilst Trixie sniffs every blade of grass. Whilst watching her sniff out a treat I’ve hidden. Whilst watching her sleep because she looks cute. In so many ways, there are just too many to list.
• To appreciate the small things. Trixie recently spend a few nights at a kennels whilst we were away and I honestly missed her wake up kisses so much.
• How great getting outside for a walk can be on both my physical and mental health. When Trixie is scratching at the door wanting to go for walk, I just can’t say no. I always feel better for it afterwards.
• How differently the world is through another pair of eyes. I always find it amazing to see Trixie’s reaction to different things that I’ve always taken for granted. The sand on a beach, the sound of a tractor going past, or even running through grass that is taller than you are.
• My protective side. I am hugely protective over Trixie and she will always be top priority for me. Before we take her anywhere, I’ll always check out facilities of where we are going to make sure she will enjoy herself and feel safe.

But it’s not just things about myself that having Trixie has taught me. I’ve also learnt a lot about the world and other people too.

• Dogs and pets in general are viewed very differently around the world. Some almost worship the ground they walk on, others only see the work or money they can provide.
• They can bring out the best or worst in people. I can never understand how somebody can abandon a dog because they no longer want them. Our first family dog was tied to a gate and abandoned with her puppies because she no longer served a purpose. I don’t think I will ever understand how someone can do this.
• How pet friendly shops and cafes are really improving things. When I first got Trixie, barely anywhere was dog friendly. But it’s good to see so much has changed in the last decade.
• A dog can be a great conversation starter. The amount of times I’ve struck up a conversation with someone because in the first instance they are making a fuss over Trixie.

Final Thoughts

These are just a handful of the things having a dog has taught me. I can’t imagine a life without Trixie being part of it now. She is very much a huge part of the family and definitely rules the roost. Do you have any pets and are they the boss too?