If you are like me and you love the outdoors, having a dog seems like an obvious life choice.

They are the best companions and the best icebreakers. They don’t judge, rarely complain and basically just want to exercise the entire time. Excellent if you are an adventure junkie like me.

If you get them young enough you can get them used to pretty much anything; paddle boarding, sailing, shooting, bicycle trailers, sitting front seat in classic cars, you name it, I have tried it.

Dogs are naturally adventurous; every time they go for a walk it’s a mini adventure. Every day brings new sights, sounds, and smells to them and, as humans, we derive pleasure out of their enjoyment.

That is why so many of us have them in our lives. They get us out of the house daily (sometimes begrudgingly), to the beach on windy, winter days and up hills in the summer. They are simply good for us and, by default, inspire us to go adventuring (normally because we get bored of the same bloomin’ walks).

I love my dog, I named her Lillihammer after the Norwegian city as a tribute to the many amazing months I have spent there on cross-country ski adventures (I thought it sounded strong and adventurous but obviously it was shortened to Lilli instantaneously!). I try and take her everywhere I possibly can, within reason, and especially on adventures.

But this is where, I believe, lies a fundamental contradiction in owning a dog…

Dogs are adventurous for sure, but they don’t equal freedom.

Being a single dog mum means relying heavily on friends and family to dog sit, it means needing to tailor your life and work around dog ownership, it means limiting your holiday choices or duration, or it means gut wrenching guilt when you choose to spend weeks away from home.

For me this is a constant battle because, alongside adventure, freedom is probably the life value I place most importance on, and yet my dog is probably the one thing in my life that ties me down.

I try to see this as a positive and not something to resent. She has gotten me through many a low moment and given me something to focus on when the path ahead has not been clear. As silly as it might sound, she is the only thing I am really responsible for and thank goodness because who knows where I would be in the universe right now without her to bring me back to earth.

I know this isn’t the same as having children but being a responsible dog owner means that you have made the choice to give them a safe and happy life. I want to achieve that to the best of my ability. And, funnily enough when she is happy, I am happy.

So having a dog can be a real tie; it can be frustrating, stressful and adds a whole new practical element to your life. But, when you are trekking along coastal paths or paddling down beautiful English chalk rivers with your canine best friend, it is sheer pleasure. They clear your mind, reduce anxiety, and love you unconditionally.

Best of all? you will never need to go adventuring alone.

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