I never considered myself a dog person, not even a little bit. It’s not that I had any ill-will towards these furry people; it’s just that the idea of forming a close bond with a non-human entity didn’t quite sit right with me. I suspect many of you can relate to this sentiment.
There’s something inherently human about our desire for connection and intimacy, and for me, that connection had always been reserved for fellow humans. The thought of cuddling up to a furry friend or engaging in playful antics with a creature from a different species simply didn’t resonate with me.
But as they say, life has a funny way of surprising us when we least expect it. And so it was that my perspective on dogs underwent a radical transformation, thanks to a series of unexpected events and encounters.
It all started when my family decided it was time to expand our horizons. And by “expand our horizons,” they meant “get a guard dog.” My reaction to the suggestion was a mix of disbelief, horror, and a healthy dose of skepticism. But when the whole fam is on board, what’s a lone wolf like me to do?
So, fast forward to the big day, we’re welcoming Ace, an eight-weeks-old GSD, into our lives. I may not have been a dog person, but I wasn’t about to let a little thing like personal preferences stand in the way of family harmony. So, with a deep breath and a brave face, I dove headfirst into the world of doggy delights.
Having the pup was like signing up for a crash course in parenting, the kind where the kid has fur and a knack for mischief. Potty training was rather potty ‘taining,’ because there was definitely some ‘training’ happening… on my floors. My husband was a saint, sure, but when it came to Ace’s antics, I was the one left holding the leash, or in this case, the poop scoop.
Ace’s bathroom breaks were actually the Arctic expedition I never signed up for. With our Prairies temperatures hovering below 35°C (It was January!), I was bundling up like a marshmallow every half-hour just to escort Ace to his ‘bathroom’ while the hubby would be at work and the kids in school. If you’re a pet parent, you know all about their ankle-biting phase, a stage that lasts between three and five months of age. It was like a daily game of dodgeball during those ‘bathroom breaks,’ and I was the unwilling MVP.
During those days, our house looked like a crime scene, with rugs banished faster than you can say ‘fetch.’ Believe it or not, my husband’s sudden obsession with cleanliness was the real plot twist in the Ace-saga. Here was a guy who could barely find the laundry basket on a good day. Now he was wielding the steam cleaner like a pro at 5 every morning. His fear of germs had him on a mission, sanitizing every inch of our house like it was ground zero for a zombie apocalypse. I half expected him to show up in a hazmat suit. His newfound dedication actually paid off. Our floors were sparkling, and our little Ace also graduated from ‘oopsies’ to ‘no-accident guy.’ Who knew a puppy could inspire such domestic miracles!
By that time, I was wholly, hopelessly in love with Ace. I evicted his crate to the basement, never to see the light of day again. He was a free-range pup from now on. Soon his food allergies became apparent, and I was fully committed to giving the pup the best care possible. I banished the store-bought kibble from our pantry, opting instead to cook homemade meals tailored to his sensitive stomach. Eventually, we embraced the raw diet trend, with chicken and beef becoming staples in his meals.
Every car ride turned into a canine adventure, as Ace became an integral part of our daily routine. Whether I was shuttling the kids to and from school or running errands around town, his eager presence in the passenger seat became a comforting constant.
And every trip to the pet store became a mission to spoil him rotten. I swear, Ace had more toys than a kid on Christmas morning. But why stop at one? We decided to double the trouble and bring another German Shepherd into the mix, a black female this time. Because apparently, one goofy furball just wasn’t enough chaos for our household. Who needs peace and quiet anyway! (I admit I was smarter by that time. We got a fully-trained 3-year-old this time!)
Well, if we can momentarily set aside the paw-some puns (trust me, it’s ruff), let’s talk about the real deal: these pups have turned my life upside down in ways I never expected. While their paws have tracked in heaps of dirt and their fur could give a Yeti a run for its money, they have also brought some serious life lessons to the table.
First off, they’ve made me hyper-aware of my surroundings. I can’t help but notice every little detail; the crunch of leaves, the fluttering of snowflakes, the changing colors of fall.
And then happiness: just one look at their wagging tails and goofy grins is enough to turn even the gloomiest day into a tail-wagging extravaganza.
But that’s not all. These pups have also taught me a thing or two about patience and responsibility. From their never-ending backyard excursions to my daily vacuuming marathons, they’ve tested my sanity in ways I never thought possible. And through all the chaos and craziness, they’ve also managed to teach me the true meaning of unconditional love.
In their company, I’ve discovered a part of myself that I never knew existed, a part that’s filled with more love, laughter, and slobber than I ever thought possible. So yeah, maybe the puns are still a bit ruff, but when it comes to these pups, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Here’s to a lifetime of adventures, mishaps, and unconditional love — may we never run out of treats or belly rubs!
Also published on Medium
The Things I Know 