Have you ever wondered what it’s like to have a furry companion by your side? My boyfriend and I were ecstatic when our friends offered us the opportunity to take care of their dog- a mini poodle named Clementine. After a few days of contemplation, we eagerly decided to embark on this adventure and experience what it’s like to have a furry companion. Owning a dog has been a long-held dream of ours, and we have come close to adopting one on several occasions.
Preparing for the Arrival of the Dog
Prior to the arrival of our furry guest, we conducted research on the breed and the basics of dog sitting. Fortunately, our friends were well-prepared and provided us with a comprehensive file containing pertinent information to aid us in caring for their dog. The file contained specific details on what food the dog could and couldn’t eat, how often to take her for walks, her sleep schedule, and a list of commands to help us maintain good behavior. In anticipation of the dog’s arrival, we made sure to prepare the house by designating an area for her bed, toys, and feeding. Additionally, we had to tidy up and remove any items that she might access and consume.
Day 1: Big walk and introducing the dog to a friend
As we were already acquainted with our friend’s dog and had played with her many times before, we knew she was sweet and well-behaved. With this in mind, we decided to introduce her to our friend’s dog. We embarked on a day trip to Beckenham Park, one of London’s largest parks, which involved a one-hour car ride (and getting caught in Saturday traffic). Although she was well-behaved in the car, she was also slightly anxious and excited, causing her to stand on my lap and leave little paw-shaped bruises on my legs (but this was no surprise as I bruise like a peach lol). Once we arrived at the park, she was in her element, enjoying the fresh green grass, sniffing around, and greeting all the other dogs she met.
Our trip to the park was an absolute blast, but it dawned on me that day that being a dog owner requires some great multitasking skills. While waiting in line for a slice of the park’s famous pizza (seriously, it’s a must-try), I had our furry friend on a leash, and she was sniffing around and exploring her surroundings. But, with one eye on the pizza and the other on the pup, I suddenly realized that owning a dog means you have to master the art of multitasking like a pro! As I tried to chat with my friends, I had to make sure she didn’t jump on tables or pester little kids for food scraps. So, if you’re thinking of getting a dog, get ready to level up your multitasking game!
Days 2-4: Adjusting to Life with a Dog
We thought we had exhausted our furry friend on the first day, but it seemed that it wasn’t enough as she struggled to get a good night’s sleep. Our friends had warned us that the first few nights might be challenging since she was still getting used to her new surroundings, but we didn’t anticipate just how tough it would be. She snuggled up on our feet in bed but kept waking up at every little noise she heard, causing us to have a sleepless night. We were both groggy and exhausted the next day, wishing we could hit snooze and go back to bed!
Thankfully, the next day was a Sunday, and we had the luxury of a bank holiday on Monday, giving us some much-needed downtime. However, we quickly realized that having a dog meant that our moods didn’t really matter when it came to taking care of her. We had to walk her in the morning and evening, rain or shine, and sometimes even more than twice a day if she whined at the door
We managed to take her on a few lovely walks during the weekend, including a short bus ride, and she was mostly well-behaved. However, things changed when a group of girls walked by, and she suddenly got extremely excited because she absolutely adores girls! Her tail was wagging like crazy, and she was jumping up and down, trying to get their attention. We had to use all our strength to keep her from running over to them and smothering them with love and affection!
Day 5-7: Why are dogs such attention seekers?
During days 5 to 7, we quickly adapted to the dog’s routine, ensuring she enjoyed longer morning and evening walks. While working from home during the day, I couldn’t resist her adorable attempts to seek attention by resting her head on my leg. Consequently, my productivity suffered a bit this week, but it was all worth it as I had an incredible time engaging in playful activities like tug of war and fetch with our lovely furry friend.
On one of the days, the heavens opened up, and our furry friend embraced the opportunity to get extra muddy. It was then that I had an epiphany about the unique challenges of owning a dog in the UK. As the weather here is famously rainy (though not necessarily rainier than in other central/northern European countries), it adds an extra layer of complexity to dog ownership. If you’re contemplating getting a dog in this country, be ready for frequent little showers after every walk and a grumpy doggy afterward, as they aren’t particularly fond of water when it’s not playtime. So, prepare yourself for some wet adventures and the occasional disgruntled pooch if you’re up for the doggy challenges amidst the rainy British weather!
Day 7-10: We want a dog!!
In the final days, we became aware of the limited time we had left to cherish moments with our beloved guest. Determined to make the most of it, we dedicated ourselves to spending as much quality time as possible with her. The following weekend coincided with a bank holiday due to the King’s coronation, granting us three consecutive days to embark on delightful and extensive walks together. On Sunday, we ventured to a nearby farmers market, where our furry friend couldn’t resist the tempting aromas of various foods. Despite her overall good behavior, she couldn’t help but beg for a taste when we stumbled upon a delectable porchetta sandwich from an Italian vendor. Naturally, we succumbed to her irresistible pleas, showering her with plenty of delicious bites.
On our dog’s last day with us, my Virgo nature kicked into high gear, and I was on a mission to clean the house like a cleaning superhero. The dog was already pretty clean, but my obsession with having an impeccably spotless home meant we had to shuffle her from room to room as we tackled each space. My ultimate cleaning goal was to change the bedding, especially since we cuddled with our furry friend every night. There’s nothing that brings me more joy than the heavenly combination of freshly changed bedding and a bed that’s super clean and flawlessly tidy. Because, hey, a clean house equals a happy Virgo!
So, after we finally managed to clean up the entire house and make it spotless, we decided to make the most of the last few hours by having a blast with the dog in our lovely garden before her mom came by to pick her up. And let me tell you, once she left, we were hit with a wave of emotions we never expected. We got so attached to that adorable ball of fur, it reminded me of that one episode from Friends when Phoebe had to say goodbye to the triplets and her mom gave her a dog as a life lesson. You know the one, right? Boy, if you haven’t watched Friends, you’re missing out! Anyway, that doggie taught us some really valuable lessons about love and companionship. It made us realize just how incredible it feels to have a furry buddy by our side, and now we can’t stop thinking about having a dog of our own in the future. We’re already knee-deep in researching different breeds and trying to figure out how the whole doggy thing would fit into our crazy lives. I mean, we love to travel, go out, and we’re used to just taking care of ourselves. It’s a whole new world, my friend, but we’re determined to make it work. Lots to think about, you know? But hey, when there’s a will, there’s a wag, right?
And hey, if you’re a fellow dog aficionado like me, you absolutely have to follow Clementine on her Instagram account! 👉🏻 https://www.instagram.com/clementine_thedoggo/
Trust me, it’s an endless stream of pure cuteness that will melt your heart. You won’t be able to resist her adorable photos and charming antics. So go ahead and give her a follow for your daily dose of canine joy!