So here at Life In The Dog Lane, we talk a lot about “The Dog Lifestyle”, but so far, we haven’t defined what that is. Our bad. We’ll invoke a self-imposed two-minute sit-stay in the corner.
So…what is The Dog Lifestyle?
An In-Situ Example
The clock glows 5:14am. Rain is pouring outside, soaking the chilling 10C fall environment. Your blankets are especially cozy at this moment.
Your new puppy is whining and pacing to go outside for a bathroom run (mental note – take away the water bowl a bit earlier the following night before bed…) and the usual follow-up game of ball. The puppy does not understand the human concepts of “too early,” “just a few more minutes,” or “busy day ahead.”
The puppy needs to go out, is signalling to you, you alone in the world, to go out for relief, and for some celebration afterwards.
You have a choice: apply the Dog Lifestyle or the Non-Dog Lifestyle.
The Dog Lifestyle enthusiast recognizes this truth from the pillow, pushes back the covering warmth, shivers as the cool air replaces the comforter, and with some “up and at ‘em” self-talk, throws on some rain gear in less than a minute, grabs the flashlight, poop bag, and ball from the convenient storage place by the back door (for just such mid-night emergencies), and follows the puppy outside into the rain. No looking back.
Because in the Dog Lifestyle, this reality is what owners have chosen to take on. And you chose this reality because you care, because your puppy depends on you, and because you will be rewarded to the end of days with a dedicated puppy that will scamper back to you, tunnel around your legs, and play-bow for the ball.
And you realize that, instead of going back to bed, you can tire your puppy out, clean your puppy up, then grab an early cup of java and chill on the couch for a few minutes before the rest of your day begins…your tired, content buddy curled up beside you.
A Quick Dog Lifestyle 101
1. The Dog Lifestyle involves a human(s) and a dog(s);
2. The Dog Lifestyle involves blending a human’s preferred lifestyle with the needs of his/her dog;
3. The Dog Lifestyle involves an enthusiasm for maximizing the human’s life experience, and the dog’s life experience, together, in what we have hitherto referred to as, of course, the Dog Lifestyle (Note: doing so does not preclude and, in fact, may include, additional benefit to, and maximization of the life of 3rd party humans and dogs).
In short, we refer to an exciting, challenging, stimulating, dedicated and rewarding integration of human and dog.
Assumptions
In conceptualizing the Dog Lifestyle, we have assumed that dog owners have, at a minimum, accepted the full responsibility of dog ownership, while striving to maximize their personal fulfillment, as well as that of their dog(s), in a life journey together: a certain companionship to bring out the best in both human and dog, while making the life experiences better for both.
We have further assumed that dog owners have willingly taken on and are prepared to adjust constructively to the changes to the human lifestyle that accompany dog ownership.
Ladies and Gentlemen, canines of all breeds, we offer you….“The Dog Lifestyle.”
Dog Lifestyle Equations
Here at Life In The Dog Lane, we believe that Dog Lifestyles can be expressed in the form of an equation.
Special features can include favourite locations, activities, toys, treats, and powers of sunshine or dog ice cream…but that’s a chat for another post!
A base equation could appear as follows:
Human(s) + Dog(s) + Special Features = Your Dog Lifestyle
More details to come soon about how to write (and balance) your own Dog Lifestyle Equation, so check back soon or sign up to be notified of new posts by email.
Are you a Dog Lifestylist who’s living The Dog Lifestyle? Have you consciously considered how you characterize life with a dog? Are there non-dog-lifestylists in your life? How do you explain your lifestyle to them?
Let us know in the comments!
I’m not sure how to describe my choice to Live life in “the Dog lane” (as you call it). Life is just better with DOG! Walks, adventures, hikes, beach and cabin vacations. Movie nights & Sunday morning lay ins. In fact I cant imagine my life with out my two. My 100lb Goldendoodle age 13.5 yrs is now dealing with kidney issues along with hip and spinal arthritis which has changed my life style completely – life has slowed to short walks and little adventures. His best friend who is 10 yrs, is showing her age too. My dilemma is learning to adapt to this new Senior Dog life style. Thank DOG for all the busy years. I am so grateful we walked everyday and hiked as often as we did when they were healthy and young. No regrets for choosing the Dog Life. I’ll miss it when its gone.