Anyone else a sucker for their dog?

[Katie1]

When we decided to get a dog I knew that life would change, but I had no idae how much. The good news is that I absolutely love spending time with Sherlock (he's a boxer mix), but perhaps I've gotten too attached...

We got him a little over a year ago, and at that time I had a job with a flexible schedule that allowed me to work from home a lot, or at least come home at lunch to let him out. Now I have a regular job 5 days a week, and my BF works 8-4 M-F. I feel so guilty about Sherlock being alone so much, even though I know that he sleeps all day and has no concept of time, so he thinks we've only been gone ten minutes even though it's more than 8 hours. I do bring him to daycare one day a week (too expensive to do more), and whenever we're home we take him to the park, the woods, and pretty much everywhere we go.

Anyway, my problem is that when I have a day off I have a hard time doing anything that doesn't involve him. I feel like if I have free time I owe it to him to spend time with him. It's actually not really a problem per se, but I have noticed that I've changed my regular routine to accomodate the dog. For instance, today was my day off (I have one weekday off and work a weekend day to make up for it; BF is home on weekends so Sherlock really only has 4 days alone, one of which he's at daycare.) I would have liked to go to the beach or to the mall, but I couldn't take Sherlock. Instead I went to my grandfather's house to use his pool, and Sherlock was able to run around the yard and go for a swim as well. I had a good day, but it made me realize that it's been a long time since I've used my time off to do anything that Sherlock can't be involved in.

Anyone else as big a sucker as I am?

[jaeger]

I went through much of the same feelings that you did when I first got my dog.
And I think you're right, they usually sleep during the day and really aren't aware of the time. Spending time with him at night and on your days off is just fine. The most important thing for him is to have a nice home and feel loved, and it sounds as if you are doing just that.

[IrishMeg]

Oh, my goodness, Katie! I could have written your EXACT post. I never thought anyone was as crazy as I am. I have actually called in sick to stay home with my dog! :o When I'm at work, I actually miss him.

Before getting Oliver, I had never had a dog. I had no idea how much my life would change or how much I would love him. I do daycare, the dog park, long walks, dog beach, and we visit Grandma and Grandpa's house often. None of it ever seems enough! I just want him to be happy and having fun all of the time. I feel guilty when he is just laying around the house. Like I'm keeping him from having a great dog life, KWIM? My days off revolve around dog friendly activities. I haven't been to the beach or pool this summer because I don't want to leave him.

It doesn't make me feel better to know that he is home sleeping and doesn't know how many hours I've been gone. If I could quit my job and be a SAHM to him I'd do it in a heartbeat.

I'm so glad you posted this. I feel so much better that I'm not alone! :)

[Vegastrtle]

Oh, my goodness, Katie! I could have written your EXACT post. I never thought anyone was as crazy as I am. I have actually called in sick to stay home with my dog! :o When I'm at work, I actually miss him.

Before getting Oliver, I had never had a dog. I had no idea how much my life would change or how much I would love him. I do daycare, the dog park, long walks, dog beach, and we visit Grandma and Grandpa's house often. None of it ever seems enough! I just want him to be happy and having fun all of the time. I feel guilty when he is just laying around the house. Like I'm keeping him from having a great dog life, KWIM? My days off revolve around dog friendly activities. I haven't been to the beach or pool this summer because I don't want to leave him.

It doesn't make me feel better to know that he is home sleeping and doesn't know how many hours I've been gone. If I could quit my job and be a SAHM to him I'd do it in a heartbeat.

I'm so glad you posted this. I feel so much better that I'm not alone! :)

This is EXACTLY how I feel about my dog! I just told DH this morning that I don't want to be a SAHM...but I *do* want a job where I can bring my dog. I've had a few ideas on that...but nothing has stuck...yet.

[IrishMeg]

just told DH this morning that I don't want to be a SAHM...but I *do* want a job where I can bring my dog. I've had a few ideas on that...but nothing has stuck...yet.

I've thought about that, too! I actually considered opening my own doggie daycare simply so I could be with him all day. I accepted the job I currently have because I am able to work out of my house. I can't imagine it any other way. :D

[mel7dog]

This is EXACTLY how I feel about my dog! I just told DH this morning that I don't want to be a SAHM...but I *do* want a job where I can bring my dog. I've had a few ideas on that...but nothing has stuck...yet.

LOL, you are too funny!

I am obsessed with my dogs, and to think I used to dislike animals :(

[IrishMeg]

I am obsessed with my dogs, and to think I used to dislike animals

Me too!! :o :confused:

[Vegastrtle]

It's too bad we're not in the same area...we could come up with our own dogcentric business and bring "the kids" to work ;)

[Smiley124]

OMG - me too!!! I work overnights but as much as I hate the hours I love the fact that it means someone is almost always here with the dogs (even if I am sleeping all day, lol!). We have sworn off vacations where we can't take them, because they FREAKED the one time we tried boarding them. I have definitely noticed we stay home a lot more now too. Lol - they are basically our children!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v412/smiley124/three.jpg

[IrishMeg]

Oh, Smiley, they are adorable. I have a puggie, too. I think he'd die if I boarded him. If he can't stay with Grandma and Grandpa, I won't go. :rolleyes: I haven't taken a real vacation since I got him almost two years ago.

[Smiley124]

It stinks! We live too far from our families for them to watch them, and we haven't lived here long enough to have made good friends with anyone who would be willing to do it (and that we could trust to spoil them as much as we do!). Oh well - maybe someday we'll get a vacation! Where in FL are you? Maybe we can trade pug watching services, lol!

[katiadarling]

Lol, our lives are totally centered on our dog. When we moved to Boulder we choice this condo because it's right across the street from a dog park! On our days off, if we can't take the dog we don't do it (luckily we LOVE hiking and so does Marley).

I used to work at a doggy day care Dog City (http://www.dogcityboulder.com) and Marley came to work with me all the time. Now I work at The Humane society of Boulder Valley (http://www.boulderhumane.org) . Marley can't come to work with me any more :( but, I'm looking for a puppy to be his buddy and DH and I each work 4 day weeks, and only have 2 days that over lap where he has to be home alone (and he gets to go back to Dog City on those days, so it's not too bad! = )

Edited to add: I live in Boulder, which is dog CRAZY! (more dogs than people!!!) so, couldn't live in a better locale as far as taking him into stores and having people love on him! Yay Boulder!!!

[IrishMeg]

Oh well - maybe someday we'll get a vacation! Where in FL are you? Maybe we can trade pug watching services, lol!

I'm west of Tampa in Clearwater. I would gladly puggie sit anytime. I always feel better leaving Oliver with someone who knows pugs. Luckily, my parents have really gotten into him and they know is special needs.

Edited to add: I live in Boulder, which is dog CRAZY! (more dogs than people!!!) so, couldn't live in a better locale as far as taking him into stores and having people love on him! Yay Boulder!!!

Our area is getting better but I have heard great things about Boulder. I wish we would get a little more dog friendly here, too.

[Smiley124]

Oh well...too far! We are very close to the panhandle....