The invisible backpack
When you choose to get a dog, it's not just a dog you open your door and your heart to. I usually tell those who haven't had a pet before that getting a dog also comes with an invisible backpack, as well as worries and guilt. Completely free.
The dog's …
At first you are dazzled by the beautiful devoted eyes and the sound of playful paws, and then everyday life hits. It is not only you who has an invisible backpack. The dog does too. Some dogs have had a lot of positive experiences, good strategies and patterns of behavior since puppyhood. Others may first have to learn it all and have a heavy backpack because of how life has shaped itself up until now. There are so many different factors that can have a decisive impact. These can be, for example, age, the dog's personality, experience, and training or lack thereof.
… your
It's not much different. Maybe you barely notice it's there, or maybe you have a lot to lug around? It all depends on what life has been like up until now. We're not that different there. But now is when the magic starts. Because just as you're going to mean a lot in your dog's life, the dog is going to make a huge difference in yours. And who really chooses who when you're standing there and have to choose between a bunch of lovely puppies in a litter of furballs? Or you can just feel that the dog you're facing at a boarding school is the dog?
Worries and guilt
Not only do you worry if your dog gets sick, or feel guilty if it has to be left home alone for too long one day. No, dogs can do something that you don't even understand until you yourself are stepped on thoroughly in the heart, and it leaves a huge paw print, right where all the emotions are.
The friendship
No matter what the dog is used for, a unique bond is created. A friendship between dog and owner that cannot be compared to one between two people. For me, having a dog in everyday life means a lot. He is our family dog, my service dog and my best friend. We spend a lot of time together. We help each other with our backpacks.
Goodbye
That's why the sadness is great the day your best friend is no longer here. As someone said to me recently after saying goodbye to her sick dog: "I have cried more over the loss of my dog than I have ever cried at a funeral." I understood exactly what she meant. I stood there with tears in my eyes. Partly because I was sad for her, but also because I know how sad I will be the day Marvin has to say goodbye.
Fortunately, memories always live on in the invisible backpack, and right now new ones are being created with Marvin.
Behind the blog
Charlotte is approaching 50. She works in accounting by day. She loves taking pictures, writing and reading, is interested in healthy eating and gluten-free baking. She spends a lot of time growing vegetables and gardening.
Marvin is a brown 4-year-old stubborn and happy cocker spaniel. He is a spoiled couch dog, family dog and home-trained service dog. He loves teddy bears and new adventures. As long as there is no vacuum cleaner in the adventure.
Everyone has luggage - even your dog
The invisible backpack
When you choose to get a dog, it's not just a dog you open your door and your heart to. I usually tell those who haven't had a pet before that getting a dog also comes with an invisible backpack, as well as worries and guilt. Completely free.
The dog's …
At first you are dazzled by the beautiful devoted eyes and the sound of playful paws, and then everyday life hits. It is not only you who has an invisible backpack. The dog does too. Some dogs have had a lot of positive experiences, good strategies and patterns of behavior since puppyhood. Others may first have to learn it all and have a heavy backpack because of how life has shaped itself up until now. There are so many different factors that can have a decisive impact. These can be, for example, age, the dog's personality, experience, and training or lack thereof.
… your
It's not much different. Maybe you barely notice it's there, or maybe you have a lot to lug around? It all depends on what life has been like up until now. We're not that different there. But now is when the magic starts. Because just as you're going to mean a lot in your dog's life, the dog is going to make a huge difference in yours. And who really chooses who when you're standing there and have to choose between a bunch of lovely puppies in a litter of furballs? Or you can just feel that the dog you're facing at a boarding school is the dog?
Worries and guilt
Not only do you worry if your dog gets sick, or feel guilty if it has to be left home alone for too long one day. No, dogs can do something that you don't even understand until you yourself are stepped on thoroughly in the heart, and it leaves a huge paw print, right where all the emotions are.
The friendship
No matter what the dog is used for, a unique bond is created. A friendship between dog and owner that cannot be compared to one between two people. For me, having a dog in everyday life means a lot. He is our family dog, my service dog and my best friend. We spend a lot of time together. We help each other with our backpacks.
Goodbye
That's why the sadness is great the day your best friend is no longer here. As someone said to me recently after saying goodbye to her sick dog: "I have cried more over the loss of my dog than I have ever cried at a funeral." I understood exactly what she meant. I stood there with tears in my eyes. Partly because I was sad for her, but also because I know how sad I will be the day Marvin has to say goodbye.
Fortunately, memories always live on in the invisible backpack, and right now new ones are being created with Marvin.
Behind the blog
Charlotte is approaching 50. She works in accounting by day. She loves taking pictures, writing and reading, is interested in healthy eating and gluten-free baking. She spends a lot of time growing vegetables and gardening.
Marvin is a brown 4-year-old stubborn and happy cocker spaniel. He is a spoiled couch dog, family dog and home-trained service dog. He loves teddy bears and new adventures. As long as there is no vacuum cleaner in the adventure.