So, I'm really not looking for criticism here or I told you's or anything of that sort, it's just been a long couple of weeks and I need a spot to vent (kinda).
So, I bought Bentley my first dog in June '06, proceeded by Emma in August '06, followed by Lula in Dec '06 and Mckenzie in May of '07. Yes, that's right -- I bought 4 puppies in a little over a year w/o having any prior dog experience. I also have asthma and am allergic to dogs. So, seems stupid right?
Well it probably was stupid, but this is where I am at now. I deal with breathing issues more often lately than I would like and that does get hard. I'm going to an allergist tomorrow to hopefully begin treatment with shots among other things to make my life as symptom free as possible.
I spend countless, endless amounts of money on medicine for myself to be able to live w/my furry kids, medicine monthly for them (HW, Advantage), the best food I can find, toys, treats, grooming... the list is endless. Oh, let's not forget the special HEPA air filters and cleaning supplies to keep the dander at bay
.
In the past week, I've spent 200 on vet visits on things like rashes, and swollen gums and then to cap it all off tonight I see all 4 have fleas. So I've spent my entire night deflea-ing them and my home and all of the other fun activities they require.
I'm exhausted and tired and stressed and frustrated. I keep asking myself why I added all these dogs to my life in such a short time. Sometimes I wonder if I'm certifiably insane. I spend most all my days making sure the dogs are on a good schedule and getting all of their needs met. Sometimes I forget to eat, but I'll be sure to get their food/meds to them right on the dot. Other times I'm exhausted but will play tug of war and take walks around the block anyhow because that is what they require, even when I can't breathe or would rather read a book or have some "me" time.
Friends and family say that I should give them away, or just keep the "smallest" "cleanest" one so that I can go back to living a normal life w/o meds or having them be the center of my life....
Maybe I am insane, but when I see my 4 little furballs snuggled up together at the end of the day, I am filled with pure love and am in awe of how much a sweet puppy (or 4) could change me so much! I may be a slave to my dogs, but I am a better person for it. I'm responsible and compassionate and smile and laugh more because these 4 legged little beings have become a part of my family.
I may not ever be rich because I always need "something for the dogs", but I'm rich in many other ways no one will ever know. Maybe I will need to use inhalers and take shots and live with some discomfort, but I'd be broken hearted without my furry family.
They've helped me in so many more ways than anyone can ever understand and I feel lucky that somehow I was blessed with them. So even on my worst of worst days, on days when the world, or even I think that I am nuts -- I put on the dogs harnesses, lace up my shoes and we go for a walk and I realize this is just how it's supposed to be
So, I bought Bentley my first dog in June '06, proceeded by Emma in August '06, followed by Lula in Dec '06 and Mckenzie in May of '07. Yes, that's right -- I bought 4 puppies in a little over a year w/o having any prior dog experience. I also have asthma and am allergic to dogs. So, seems stupid right?
Well it probably was stupid, but this is where I am at now. I deal with breathing issues more often lately than I would like and that does get hard. I'm going to an allergist tomorrow to hopefully begin treatment with shots among other things to make my life as symptom free as possible.
I spend countless, endless amounts of money on medicine for myself to be able to live w/my furry kids, medicine monthly for them (HW, Advantage), the best food I can find, toys, treats, grooming... the list is endless. Oh, let's not forget the special HEPA air filters and cleaning supplies to keep the dander at bay
.In the past week, I've spent 200 on vet visits on things like rashes, and swollen gums and then to cap it all off tonight I see all 4 have fleas
. So I've spent my entire night deflea-ing them and my home and all of the other fun activities they require.I'm exhausted and tired and stressed and frustrated. I keep asking myself why I added all these dogs to my life in such a short time. Sometimes I wonder if I'm certifiably insane. I spend most all my days making sure the dogs are on a good schedule and getting all of their needs met. Sometimes I forget to eat, but I'll be sure to get their food/meds to them right on the dot. Other times I'm exhausted but will play tug of war and take walks around the block anyhow because that is what they require, even when I can't breathe or would rather read a book or have some "me" time.
Friends and family say that I should give them away, or just keep the "smallest" "cleanest" one so that I can go back to living a normal life w/o meds or having them be the center of my life....
Maybe I am insane, but when I see my 4 little furballs snuggled up together at the end of the day, I am filled with pure love and am in awe of how much a sweet puppy (or 4
) could change me so much! I may be a slave to my dogs, but I am a better person for it. I'm responsible and compassionate and smile and laugh more because these 4 legged little beings have become a part of my family.I may not ever be rich because I always need "something for the dogs", but I'm rich in many other ways no one will ever know. Maybe I will need to use inhalers and take shots and live with some discomfort, but I'd be broken hearted without my furry family.
They've helped me in so many more ways than anyone can ever understand and I feel lucky that somehow I was blessed with them. So even on my worst of worst days, on days when the world, or even I think that I am nuts -- I put on the dogs harnesses, lace up my shoes and we go for a walk and I realize this is just how it's supposed to be
