Paws For Thought

Do you really know what it takes to own a dog?!

Photo Credit: Sian Broderick Photography

Hello from a rather chilly but sunny Wales.

I’ve just attended an epic Substack workshop with

Farrah Storr

It’s Sunday afternoon, I’m having a duvet day, still in my pjs and feeling inspired by Farrah’s advice, so much so, I’m attempting my 4th Substack post. Please ignore the last 3 posts. They were just ramblings on about what the hell I’m supposed to be writing about. Last time I posted I was trying to find a way to connect with other Substackers and not feel so isolated whilst working from home.

Why am I here?

1. I desperately want to grow my community on Substack - I’m fed up with how the mainstream social media platforms are filling my feed with ads and unwanted content. Substack seems the place where I can connect with other likeminded souls, a friendly growing community, where I can share my experiences and ideas. So please bare with me whilst I try to find my Substack flow. I really haven’t got a clue!

2. I want to be consistent with my writing practice - my day to day involves planning and facilitating writing retreats with best selling authors such as Clover Stroud, Cathy Rentzenbrink and Penny Wincer. Which I love and it is a real privilege to work with such talented writers. I’m learning lots. Now I need to apply their advice and Substack is THE perfect platform for it.

3. I have a story to share - Aside from hosting writing retreats, my passion lies with owning Rhodesian Ridgebacks. However, my life has been turned upside down both financially and emotionally. I have lost count on the numerous times I’ve wanted to quit being a dog owner. Life is tough. Most days I struggle to survive with two big dogs in my life whilst trying to run a small business, be a fun mum, a loving girlfriend and be available for everything else life throws at me.

So basically, I need an output. I have chosen Substack. To document my journey as a dog owner. I want to help others who might be going through the same dog ownership frustrations, dramas and traumas. Maybe I can be a resource. Maybe by sharing my journey others will seriously consider the pros and cons of buying a puppy. Maybe by writing my story, I’ll help reduce the number of dogs waiting to be re-homed. 10,000 dogs that were rescued by The Dogs Trust in 2021. This statistic is proof the UK has a dog ownership problem.

I wish I knew then what I know now. A puppy is for life. But that puppy could ruin your life. Seriously, are you prepared? Owning a dog could and most probably will, test you and your bank balance to THE max!

I’ve been feeling quite depressed about my failings as a dog parent. So to help me believe in my abilities, I need to write about these feelings, my worries, my concerns, my learnings, my top tips and my love for dogs here on Substack.

A few on my posts may involve ‘rage on a page’. Mostly about what I have to deal with on a daily basis with dogs in my life. However, it’s not all doom and gloom, there are good times, there are certainly bad moments and in my experience there are rather a lot of ugly situations you’d never have expected - I want to share them all with you.

Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Downright Ugly Tales Of Dog Ownership

The Good - dogs bring so much love into your life, they make you laugh, they keep you fit, they are loyal, they are wonderful company, and they will always wag their tale when you arrive home.

The Bad - they are a huge responsibility, you need to wake up early every day, feed them, walk them, entertain them, and pick up their poop a few times a day!

The Downright Ugly - the outrageous costs - £20K+ down and only 2 years in; the lack of sleep - you think babies keep you awake, try living with a needy Ridgeback; the mess - dog hair literally everywhere, all over my clothes; male green goo drops on most floors (don’t ask); blood splashed all over all the walls and ceilings; their detachment anxiety issues; the lack of holidays - there ain’t much chance of going away with my boyfriend anytime soon; the lack of independence - there goes being spontaneous for another 10 years or so.

What’s next?

I hope I manage to stop procrastinating about writing, especially here on Substack.

I plan to write more Substack posts consistently, connect with others, especially dog owners and experts and build my community, in-between the dog disaster episodes.

I invite you to follow my posts and if you like them or can relate to the saga, please do connect with me and share my Substack profile - thank you

Until the next time, I’m off to wipe more blood stains off my office walls

PS - In case you’re wondering and wincing about the sprayed blood situation, I’ll be writing more about why my home looks like a crime scene out of CSI. Look out for a post about ‘The Trauma of Split Ear’.