Okay, so today's post is a total self-indulgence. If you're here looking for yogic inspiration or deeper thoughts, you might want to look elsewhere {so sorry!}. Honestly, I'm just so obsessed with this topic that I couldn't possibly write about anything else today...
Here are the basics of what's going on:
Ben and I have wanted a dog for quite a while, but have always lived in buildings that don't allow them. Obviously, we now live in a house. With a yard. In a neighborhood. With lots of space to run around outside. And walking paths all around us. When we first moved to the Cape, we said we would wait until spring to talk about getting a dog, so that we could settle in, get an idea of our new financial situation, finalize our new daily schedules, keep our lives a bit more simple in this new place as we figured things out. But all of the sudden, I've thrown all of that caution to the wind. I want/need a dog--NOW! And not just any dog--I've found THE dog online. She's in Arkansas, but could be transported to Boston as soon as Dec. 22nd. OMG. Now, let me say that I'm leading 100% with my heart in this thing. I haven't met this dog. I've seen 4 pictures and I've spoken with the rescue organization and her foster mother, but that's it. She's a breed I've never been around. There's a very high chance that we won't end up getting her, as we still have to run it by our landlord, fill out the adoption application, discuss this big decision in more detail, and hear about her final appointment to the vet. However, this doesn't mean that I'm not obsessed. Becoming easily "obsessed" with things is one of those qualities of mine that can act as both an attribute and a handicap. Becoming obsessed with a new project, painting, or work endeavor can often be good--it makes me super productive, allows me to create, makes things happen. But sometimes, and this instance might be one of those situations, becoming obsessed means getting my heart set on something, thinking about it nonstop, ignoring all possible negatives, and setting myself up for disappointment. Is getting a dog right now the smartest thing to do? Probably not. Is it a good idea to pick out a new family member without ever meeting them? I don't think so (But that face!! Those eyes!!). I want a little friend (and this little friend, in particular) to hang out with all day, when I'm blogging, painting, and working from home. I want someone to take care of; Ben and I aren't ready for kids yet, but I think we're ready to take care of a little being. We want another family member. So why not a dog, right? We're adults! If we want a dog, we can get one...right? Right??? We've started talking to her like she's here already. We point to where she would be sitting on the couch. We invite her into the bed. Last night I fake fed her a piece of food from the dinner table [Is that weird?]. I wish she was sitting next to me right now! So that's where my head's at today. No deeper message to this post, no inspiration, no yogic wisdom--just straight up desire for a dog. Can anyone out there relate to my newest obsession? I'll keep you posted as things unfold, and if all goes as my heart wants it to, I hope to be introducing you to a new member of our family (and blog community) by the end of the month...
Tara B.
12/15/2013 08:42:10 pm
Um yes, this is all totally normal. GET A DOG!!!!! We got Autumn a couple months after we moved to SC and we always say it's the best decision we ever made. We saw her pic online and named her before we met her, and just knew she was the one. Sometimes you just know :-)
Getting our rescue dog Potter 6 years ago was the single best thing I have ever done for myself and my relationship with Taylor. He is our best friend and the center of our world. I know that sounds insane but I cannot imagine my life without him.
Mary Catherine
12/16/2013 07:30:35 pm
Haha! Your last comment cracks me up, Andrea :) Thank you for sharing and encouraging! xoxo
Jessica
12/15/2013 11:07:02 pm
GET A DOG! Or two. Or three.
Catherine Smoot
12/16/2013 01:12:27 am
Absolutely get a dog! Things end up working itself out how they should. I got my dog on a total whim after previously acknowledging that I too wasn't ready for one (and tried to fill the void by volunteering at an animal shelter). It just happened and you make changes as necessary to make way for the most amazing thing that will happen to you. You honestly won't remember your life before them and when they aren't around things are so quiet and boring. There is never a "perfect time" for anything big and life changing to happen, so I say you should just do it!
Claire
12/16/2013 01:50:48 am
I love my dog and I am so glad that you are rescuing one; there are so many dogs who need loving homes. They do require a change in lifestyle, but they become a part of your family. Good luck with your decision!
Liz
12/16/2013 06:31:50 am
I can totally relate. After spending a weekend with my friend's Golden Retriever I bought four books on goldens online and did a ton of research. Ultimately I decided I couldn't handle a dog living alone and having to come home every evening, but I definitely spend a ton of time thinking about it last year. Good luck! I sooooo support this idea!!! But if you're getting a puppy, remember it is A LOT of work. It's worth it, but I was amazed at how hard it was. I also highly support getting a cat too (see my most recent Instagram/Facebook picture for the inter-species love!). Woof! Meow! ;)
Mary Catherine
12/16/2013 07:29:10 pm
Thank you all for SUCH amazing advice and encouragement, everyone! The outpouring of "DO IT" really helped us make the decision, and as of now, we've put in our application and gotten approval from our landlord. Now we're just waiting for the vet report, and if all is well, we could get her by the 28th!!!!! EEEKKKKKK! Again, will keep you posted. Comments are closed.
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HELLO!I'm Mary Catherine, a Cape Cod-based yoga teacher, painter, designer, writer, mom, and list-maker extraordinaire. My goal is to inspire you to start living a more creative, simple, joyful, + purposeful life.
{Learn more + read my story}
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