I stumbled across this old picture of Nell from the early days of our life together in 2016, when she was 4.5 years old. We had only met 2 years before that, and I still knew very little about dogs like her.
And now, next to me is Grace, who is also 4.5 years old. I’ve known her for most of her life, and it feels like time is running fast even though at the same age we were in a very different place with Nell.
Many people say that they prefer to adopt an adult dog because puppies are hard work (they are) and/or because they can see the adult temperament. I don’t entirely agree because the life you share with a dog shapes both of you – when you start a bit further along, it’s a different relationship and both of you might have been different, if you’d met earlier.
I’ve never wanted a puppy because they’re cute – I want to be a part of their journey of learning about the world and help make it safe for them. Now, I’ve shared an even longer journey with Astra – one that started the moment she was born, and it’s a very different kind of connection.
To me, it’s an incredible privilege to share a life with dogs for as much time as possible because they are only here for such a short time. The moment you fall in love with them, you already know the clock is ticking for the moment you must say goodbye – possibly the most uncomfortable thought, one that I regularly push back into the darkest corner of my mind.
BusyDoggie 