A little over two years ago, my life changed as I knew it. A small fur ball came crashing into my life like a wrecking ball. Before the moment where this little fluff and I found each other, my life was spent casually petting every dog I came in contact with and begging my parent for a puppy. Even though I had two dogs at home with my parents, I felt like I needed one with me. I wanted a companion to get through college with me and give a home to the dogs that needed one (I also convinced myself that I could give every homeless dog a home). Of course, my parents repeatedly told me to “keep dreaming”. Well, my dream came true when the little ball of fluff with a wet nose fell into my lap.
I learned really quickly that raising a puppy was not all fun and games. I would be woken up at least three times in the night by a piercing whine followed by a few failed attempts to bark. I would drag my sleepy butt outside with my tiny puppy and put her in the grass, praying I could go back to sleep soon. She would just sit in the grass and stare at me. This soon became very exhausting. Potty training became a nightmare. I was constantly cleaning up little messes on the tile, finding shoes torn up, and socks missing. It was almost impossible for me to get mad at her adorable little face. I was not suitable to train a puppy. I had never trained a dog before and I was in way over my head.
Months and months went by and training became much easier. Her behavior was changing and she began to listen to me and obey commands. Potty training became a breeze with little to no indoor accidents. I was falling more and more in love with my puppy every day. Now, my best friend is my dog and I am not ashamed of it.
Now, Britches (yes, that is her name) and I are inseparable. It is the best feeling to come home after a long day in classes or at work and have someone so excited to see you and play with you. I always have someone to keep my warm at night. I always have someone to eat popcorn and watch scary movies with. I always have a buddy to cuddle the stress from college away with. I always have someone there to love me unconditionally. Yes, being responsible and caring for a dog in college is tough. From high-quality dog food to vet bills, it is not cheap. However, I would not trade a single day away from my fluff ball. Every day was a new lesson with her. She grew and I grew. I learned how to be responsible for another living being besides myself. Having a dog along with being a college student was definitely a challenge but I am so glad I have Britches with me along for the ride.
