Ten months ago I decided that I wanted to get a dog. This was something I had thought about for a long time and really wanted. I’m not going to lie; I knew that it wasn’t the greatest idea.  So, one Saturday I drove to Canton, GA to “look” at a litter of Golden Retriever puppies. On the drive up, I did what most people would do when making a big decision- I weighed out the pros and cons. With things I know I should talk myself out of, I always start with the pros. Then, hopefully the cons will seal the deal of helping me to make the right decision.

So…

Pros: Companion. Protector. More exercise. They’re loving. Help lower blood pressure?(that’s a stretch). Unconditional love. We’ll go to the park. Fetch. Something to come home to after a long day. They’re loyal. Cute and cuddly. He will make life less stressful.

Cons: House breaking. Teething. Chewing. Accidents. Middle of the night outings. Food. Shots. Vet. Dog walker. Doggy daycare. Boarding. Bathing. Biting. Fleas. Eating of shoes. Eating of boots. Eating of favorite cowboy boots. Eating of pillows. Basically, eating of everything. Counter grazing. Terrifying the cat. Getting on the furniture. Pulling on the leash. Barking. Shedding. Time. Jumping up on people. Licking. Slobber. Training-LOTS of Training. $$$$$$….

As I pulled up to the house still listing off the cons in my head this little golden chunk comes running up to me. I pick him up. As if that list of cons never happened, I hear myself say “Oh my gosh! You are the cutest. I have to take him!” So much for going to ‘look’ at a puppy…

Here we are nine months and countless rolls of shredded toilet paper later and most days I feel like I’m living in the movie Marley and Me. You name it and Nash has probably done it. Swallowed socks and had them surgically removed- check. Completely chewed up and destroyed the TV remote- check. Ate my favorite flip-flops that I’ve had since college- check.  Hopped up on the dining room table and laid down to take a nap- yep. We know his doctors and vet techs at the vet well and he’s made quite a name for himself around the neighborhood.  We’ve had countless head-to-head moments. One night was so bad I told a girlfriend if she saw a sign with Nash’s picture on it he wasn’t lost, he most likely was up for sale. I was kidding of course, but I had about had it.

Two months ago Nash would have gnawed at the computer screen or just taken a seat right on the keyboard. Now as I sit on the floor typing with his with head resting in my lap, I’m starting to see a completely different dog. No regrets. Gone are the days of teething, house breaking, chewing (for the most part) and now slowly but surly are those moments why I knew in my heart that getting a dog would be one of the best things that I could do for myself.  I have painted you this picture of Nash as a naughty mischievous puppy. Actually though, he is a REALLY good dog. Not just a good dog, but a great dog. I can’t imagine day to day life without him. There is no doubt that Nash and I will have our moments, but I would not trade the sweet moments like those for anything. Once again I have learned that even if the pros outweigh the cons sometimes you just have to listen and trust your heart. It will always help you make the right decision.

Learner, Thinker, Writer:  Paige Booker serves the Trinity School community as the ELD Art Teacher.