Nemo has always been MY dog. For many reasons, but primarily because it's probably been just the two of us most of the time. After almost 7 years of teamwork, we know each other inside and out, each other's habits, quirks and routines – and it's both safe and nice and easy, not least.
With a single glance, I can quickly see if he wants to go out in the garden, go for a walk, have snacks, or if there's anything else we need to take care of.
But for the past 2 years we have had roomies living on/off here in the house.
Of course, they all quickly came to love the little spotted one, and he enjoyed the extra attention and the fact that there were now extra hands to scratch his belly.
When you suddenly have to share
For the past several months, my good friend Kim has been living on the first floor while he works on his new book.
This means that Nemo now has company almost 100% of the day, and that there is always someone ready to walk, feed or play with. A true dog heaven and he enjoys it immensely.
And it's been a pure win/win – because with Kim living with me, I've been able to travel with peace of mind that both house and dog are in order. With daily photo updates where it's clear that Nemo is enjoying himself to the fullest in familiar surroundings at home, while I'm on an adventure.
But as the months have passed, I'm no longer always number 1 on the Nemo List. Suddenly, I've got a sharing dog.
Because with multiple floors, it can of course be difficult for a small dog to choose at times.
Suddenly it's no longer standard for him to just sleep with me.
In fact, he gets up and continues sleeping upstairs all of a sudden. Just to share the sun and wind equally between us.
And if I come home unannounced, I can't always find him, because then he's up in the boys' room upstairs where there's always time and space for cozying up.
And that, I can sense, is a dilemma. Because of course it's super nice that they get along so well with each other, but he's still my dog – and what if Kim moves out? There are many advantages to having two of us looking after the little nugget, especially when we both have busy days too – but at the same time it's also difficult to share your most precious one without feeling like it's costing us togetherness. Now it's no longer just me who is his whole world, I've got competition.
For you dog owners, you know exactly what I mean. The feeling of the unique bond that binds us to our dogs. Which is closer and stronger than much else.
This means that our everyday lives are often centered around the dog's well-being and well-being, and that the day can become massively better in a split second with a wagging tail or a happy dog running to meet you when you come home.
That feeling is indescribable. And even though I know that Nemo will always be my dog – it might also be very good to learn not to always take his love and attention for granted.
But that we as humans also sometimes have to remember to put down the computer or phone and earn our dogs' full attention.
About the blogger of the week
The author behind this week's DogCoach blog is Linn Radsted.
Linn is an independent consultant and serial entrepreneur of 8 years and has a Jack Russell terrier, Nemo, who is almost 7 years old, who is currently primarily a companion dog.
In addition to other projects, she is the founder and owner of DogCoach.
Do you share your dog?
Nemo has always been MY dog. For many reasons, but primarily because it's probably been just the two of us most of the time. After almost 7 years of teamwork, we know each other inside and out, each other's habits, quirks and routines – and it's both safe and nice and easy, not least.
With a single glance, I can quickly see if he wants to go out in the garden, go for a walk, have snacks, or if there's anything else we need to take care of.
But for the past 2 years we have had roomies living on/off here in the house.
Of course, they all quickly came to love the little spotted one, and he enjoyed the extra attention and the fact that there were now extra hands to scratch his belly.
When you suddenly have to share
For the past several months, my good friend Kim has been living on the first floor while he works on his new book.
This means that Nemo now has company almost 100% of the day, and that there is always someone ready to walk, feed or play with. A true dog heaven and he enjoys it immensely.
And it's been a pure win/win – because with Kim living with me, I've been able to travel with peace of mind that both house and dog are in order. With daily photo updates where it's clear that Nemo is enjoying himself to the fullest in familiar surroundings at home, while I'm on an adventure.
But as the months have passed, I'm no longer always number 1 on the Nemo List. Suddenly, I've got a sharing dog.
Because with multiple floors, it can of course be difficult for a small dog to choose at times.
Suddenly it's no longer standard for him to just sleep with me.
In fact, he gets up and continues sleeping upstairs all of a sudden. Just to share the sun and wind equally between us.
And if I come home unannounced, I can't always find him, because then he's up in the boys' room upstairs where there's always time and space for cozying up.
And that, I can sense, is a dilemma. Because of course it's super nice that they get along so well with each other, but he's still my dog – and what if Kim moves out? There are many advantages to having two of us looking after the little nugget, especially when we both have busy days too – but at the same time it's also difficult to share your most precious one without feeling like it's costing us togetherness. Now it's no longer just me who is his whole world, I've got competition.
For you dog owners, you know exactly what I mean. The feeling of the unique bond that binds us to our dogs. Which is closer and stronger than much else.
This means that our everyday lives are often centered around the dog's well-being and well-being, and that the day can become massively better in a split second with a wagging tail or a happy dog running to meet you when you come home.
That feeling is indescribable. And even though I know that Nemo will always be my dog – it might also be very good to learn not to always take his love and attention for granted.
But that we as humans also sometimes have to remember to put down the computer or phone and earn our dogs' full attention.
About the blogger of the week
The author behind this week's DogCoach blog is Linn Radsted.
Linn is an independent consultant and serial entrepreneur of 8 years and has a Jack Russell terrier, Nemo, who is almost 7 years old, who is currently primarily a companion dog.
In addition to other projects, she is the founder and owner of DogCoach.