How a rescue dog can bring purpose to a life lived more at home
From trips around Scotland to daily walks, I’m so pleased I adopted a dog
Isuppose I have always been a dog person having grown up around all kinds of pets from my cousin’s cats to my own rabbit, Snuffy, and even a cockatoo, but it has been dogs that have been the main family pet.
My mum and dad had a golden Labrador, Jan, who was very old when I was small, while my aunt had dogs right up until 10 years ago.
While I enjoyed these four legged friends, I wasn’t mad keen on getting one of my own, not at least until I had a house and garden.
Fast forward a few years and I find myself without a house or a garden, but the owner of a bonkers cockapoo, Archie, who has graced the pages of this paper a few times (to the point that my Dad thinks he should have his own agent).
While I was sceptical to begin with, I can’t imagine life without his big energy and cosy cuddles.
Archie, who was being fostered by a friend, ended up in our care after his old owners couldn’t cope with his boisterous nature. Cockapoos are notoriously full of energy, intelligent and can be stubborn. They have similar traits – like eating socks, which Archie has done – but are very sociable and great with kids (my youngest nephew is his biggest fan).
When we got Archie, he wasn’t well trained, and barked A LOT.
My downstairs neighbour has only just forgiven me, five and a half years on. But with patience and perseverance (and a hefty bill from a behaviourist), he’s much more chilled.
We’ve been on some great adventures – from being the first dog on North Link Ferries pet lounge, to living it up like an A-lister at Gleneagles – but on a day-today basis, he gives us purpose.
Archie give us a reason to leave the flat every day when working from home, as well as being a great companion and company.
This month it was reported that a litter of cockapoo and cavapoo puppies were rescued from squalid conditions of a puppy farm, which makes now an ideal time to suggest adopting a dog.
Take it from me, I guarantee you won’t regret it.
A house and garden would be great but, as Archie proves, it’s not necessary. Love is the answer!