Toys, treats, different beds, blankets, collars, bandanas, and maybe a sweater or two (or 5). Vet bills, food bills, daycare bills. Training classes, agility classes, professional photos, boarding, maybe even a dog walker. Shedding, barking, crumbs, possibly drool. Walking in the freezing, the snow storm, downpour, sweltering heat. Why do we do this to ourselves???
This is my reason:
Her beautiful eyes, the way that her cheeks puff out when she wants to play, the cute noise she makes when she yawns. Her intelligence, willingness to do anything for food, morning kisses. The warmth of her presence, the smell of her fur, her zoomies. And, oh, so much more.
I grew up with dogs - they were always a part of our family. I thought I knew what it was to have a dog in my life - to play with them, to feed them, to take them for walks. I mean, I had experience, right? I had even worked at dog kennels and boarding houses, so I knew. But honestly, it wasn't until little Allie came into our lives that I truly grasped the power of a dog.
Here is where I get personal: I have always wanted to be a mom. Always. But life had a different path for us. I love being in the classroom, watching students have "ah-ha" moments and take control of their growth. But Covid had a different path for me. I enjoy being active, creative, being part of the community. But depression and anxiety...well, you get it.
Enter the power of Allie. She helps me connect with others in my building, my community and pushes me to get outside, even on days I don't want to. She knows my lows, and when to either bring a toy to play or just cuddle until the cloud passes. I take care of her, and in the process, also take better care of myself. I have definitely become that pet parent with more photos of my dog on my phone than anything else. My four-legged daughter.
So when I say, "I may have rescued her, but she really rescued me" I mean it. Every day.