What I Wish I Knew Before I Got a Dog

Paddington is three years old and he is a rescue! A small 5 lb dog with a biiiig name. I got him during my senior year at the University of Miami. I always loved dogs and we had a family dog that passed a few years prior, but I was obsessed with the idea of having my own. Some may think my timing was unusual, but once I got to my senior year, part of me was tired of going out nonstop, and I knew I wanted to have a dog post-grad so I figured why not do it before I graduate and become busy with a job so that I have more time to adjust to the new lifestyle! By no means was this easy… at all. But worth every second!

Adopting Paddington was the best decision I have ever made hands down. He is so loyal, loving, sweet, funny…he is truly the best companion ever! I would say the most surprising thing to me about being a dog owner is how much the dog depends on you. I always knew it was a huge responsibility, but I seriously feel like some days it is like having a child. It is a little tiny living being that depends on you for everything. Having Paddington has taught me responsibility that I don’t think I would have learned so quickly without him. After college, I learned not only how to take care of myself, but also how to take take care of another life while managing a job and living in a new city. The hardest thing I would say is that “mom guilt” is so real. Ha! I sound so crazy writing this but it's true. It is a huge adjustment and you have to be willing to make a lot of sacrifices. When I’m out for too long I am always worried about him- did I leave enough food? Did I change his water? Is he sitting by the door waiting? Being in my 20’s this can be challenging at times because my friends are often out and about, while I have other things to consider. This has definitely changed in quarantine, but it's just one example of having to make sacrifices. My Furbo camera has given me major peace of mind. I absolutely LOVE it, it's so worth the investment, and I can control the treat dispenser from my phone, which has saved me during some really stressful, tough times.

My best piece of advice would be to do your research, learn about different breeds, and what would be compatible with your lifestyle. Living in a big city, it would be more challenging to have a huge dog that would thrive in a backyard. There will be times in the beginning where you are so frustrated, and it's okay to put the pup in his or her crate for a little while. Let yourself cool off and don’t get frustrated because that is not doing any good for you or the puppy. Be patient, they are learning with you and the world feels so big and confusing to them when they are small. Your dog will react better in less stressful situations.