Fabulously Single Doodle Moms (or Dads)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Some of you may have figured out by now that I am a single doodle mom. When I was contemplating getting a dog people warned me that a puppy is just too much work for one person, that it would ruin my social life, my career would suffer because I'd be running home at lunch and wouldn't be able to work overtime, and that I would regret this because guys won't want to date me if I'm always running home to walk the dog, etc etc. As a result I waited years before I decided to take the plunge, and when I did I still had relatively few supporters.

 

Well I am here to put on the record that all those naysayers were absolutely positively wrong wrong wrong. Here's why:

 

1. I love taking care of my Sophie Bear, it brings me a sense of purpose and allows me to exercise my nurturing side. I never see her as a burden (well, ok, cleaning poop off my bed at 6am aside). Her hugs and kisses makes it all worth while.

2. My work life balance has improved tremendously, which means less stress and more happiness - I welcome the lunch time breaks to walk her and can't wait to rush out of the office so we can go out and play. My boss who runs out at 4pm every day to get his daughter from daycare can no longer take advantage of me by making me stay and finish up his loose ends.

3. My social life has improved, as I've met so many new people and made a ton of new friends. Before Sophie, I never talked to my neighbours or knew anyones name. All my neighbours know me now and love to comment on how fast Sophie is growing and how well behaved she is. Plus, I always look forwarded to greeting everyone in the doggie park or having doggie play dates with dog loving friends. Sophie comes with me to all my activities (tennis, ultimate frisbee in the park, etc.) and as a result, I'm a much more active because I love to go out and show her off.

4. You wouldn't believe how many attractive men there are who have dogs, and what better way to strike up a conversation than to let the dogs do the work to break the ice. The other day we were in the book store (yep, I live in a very dog friendly neighbourhood) and I turned around to find Sophie had crawled in the lap of a cute guy who was crouched down to browse the books on the bottom shelf.

 

That's not to say there aren't any challenges. It can be tiring, it's expensive, it's a lot of work, and I never get any pics of the two of us since the cat can't work the camera. So, I'd like to know if there are other single doodle parents out there and if so, what are some of the benefits for you, and how do you cope with the challenges?

 

[BG and Gavin]

"There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home."

[Jen & Ember]

Thanks for posting this, Sherri. I am in the process of bringing home a puppy and you are right about the lack of support from others. But, I don't mind the work or the attitudes because this is something I'm arranging my life around and so happy to do so. I can't wait to have stories to share!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

My DD was single when she got her first puppy. She had begged for our family dog and then stopped wanting to take care of her and that dog became mine. She likes to remind me she was 10. I tried to talk her out of a dog for all the reason others have mentioned...ties you down, cost a lot of money, etc., but she didn't listen and got her puppy anyways. Well, he turned out to be a perfect dog and she is a great dog owner. She is married now and just got another puppy in April. Again, I tried to talk her out of adding a second, but you can see she never listens to her mother. Her dogs are French Bulldogs and very cute.

[Anna]

OMG - this is the cutest picture - it is so funny

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

so Cute!

[Elizabeth & *Kosci*.]

I had a dog way before I met my husband and got married, so when we decided to get married I bought him his own dog as a wedding present.
My quote was always 'marry me marry my dog'

[Elizabeth & *Kosci*.]

By the way. My pre-nup. (joke!!). Has me on a limit of 4 dogs at one time.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

that's awesome. That will be my new motto.

[Anna]

I'm married with children - but one of the many reasons I said yes to getting a pup - was so that I will be "forced" to go on long walks everyday.  I have some health issues and exercise is so important for me - but I am one of those people who is happiest curled up on the couch with a goood book.   So my little pup - will help me - get some much needed exercise. 

 

i thought - having a pup - would be the best icebreaker in meeting new people.  really - people told you that - men wouldn't want to date you b/c you have a dog? 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Yep, people told me that I would limit the dating pool to only guys who like dogs. Well Duh! Hasn't anyone seen the movie "Must Love Dogs".  One guy that I work with told me he broke up with his girlfriend because she had a dog and he hated the fact that she couldn't sleep over because of the dog. He was really strongly discouraging me. Maybe he was just disappointed that I wouldn't date him lol.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

When my DD, who was not married at the time, wanted to get her puppy, her boyfriend did not want a dog. He had never had a dog before. Well, my DD is headstrong and we just told him to prepare to get a dog, because there was no way you can talk her out of something once she makes her mind up. Yep, she got her dog, married the boyfriend, and he is crazy about the dog. He was on Facebook one time saying to the dog, "who is your daddy...LOL." HE is the one who pushed for a second dog. Sometimes you don't know what you want until you get it :)

[Anna]

I think dogs are the perfect icebreakers.  I remember a long LONG time ago - when I was a little more attractive.  This guys had a cute little dog and I went over to pet him.   and after a little chat - he asked me out.  I think its makes it easier to approach and easier to start conversations with a dog.  This way - neither parties look desperate or creepy.   by the way - the guys was a little creepy looking so I said no - but the dog was really really cute.