Do you know anyone that refuses to get a dog? Do you know anyone who is in dire need of a pet dog but won’t get one (mostly because you haven’t told them they’re in dire need so they don’t recognize it?) Do you know anyone whose life is actually ruff and in need of a high-paw – I mean high-five?
There are tons of reasons for people to get a dog, but rather than try to force them by sitting them through a PowerPoint presentation, force them by giving them this article instead!
Prepare to be inspired by the incredible stories of non-dog people who experienced life-changing transformations after adopting a canine companion. In this article, we'll share poignant anecdotes from healing emotional wounds to fostering love and joy. Read on to discover how embracing dog ownership can bring about positive changes you never imagined.
1. DeirDre's Story - Finding Healing and Happiness
DeirDre, a Teach for America employee, shares her journey of initially feeling broken inside but finding solace and purpose through adopting a dog. Discover how her four-legged friend became her source of motivation, patience, and laughter and transformed her from a hesitant dog owner into someone who cherishes the simple joys of spending lazy days with her beloved companion.
DeirDre worked for Teach for America, but was having a rough year. After a rocky first year which she soothed with giant servings of pasta and white wine, one morning she just couldn’t go to work.
Deirdre said she was so broken inside that adopting a dog was probably the last thing on her mind. But doing so changed her life.
Even though she didn’t have room for a dog in her life, Deirdre says that she needs him now. In her own words, “Adopting my dog was the best worst decision I’ve ever made.”
Her dog helped her get up in the morning after a rough night. Taking care of him helped her become more patient and less angry. He helped her laugh when she came home after a rough day of work and would help her find the humor in a bad situation (which was usually caused by him anyways). He taught her how to handle things with grace and what the limits of her temper were but also how to expand them too.
Despite her dog being a rescue and coming from a rough life, Deirdre says her dog has always loved her and forgiven her, even as she stumbled through the early days of dog ownership. For her, she gets to learn from him and play with him and on a nice, relaxing day, just be lazy with him.
“He doesn’t really care what we do, he just wants to be together. And being together, of course, is exactly what both of us need.”
2. Jenna's Journey - Overcoming Trauma and Finding Peace
Learn how Jenna, struggling with PTSD and the aftermath of an abusive relationship, embarked on a path to healing by embracing the love and support of a dog. Witness the powerful impact her canine companion had on her well-being, gradually helping her regain a sense of safety and normalcy. While Jenna's story highlights the unique circumstances of her journey, it serves as a reminder of the remarkable healing power dogs can offer.
For Jenna, adopting a dog helped her get past an abusive relationship. Jenna suffered from PTSD, which was causing her a lot of mental health issues. She had trouble sleeping through the night and was constantly looking over her shoulder, worried about seeing her abuser again. Someone suggested that she get a dog to help her adjust, which she wasn’t initially on board with. According to her, "I thought it was the worst idea; I couldn't even take care of myself." But when she wound up taking the advice, it changed her life.
Her dog was so tiny that Jenna made the decision to quit smoking cold turkey as she didn’t want to put her new pet's health at risk. Her dog, named Dany (yes, after Daenerys from Game of Thrones) would let out little cries in the morning that would make Jenna get out of bed. After the bonding really started happening, Jenna took Dany with her everywhere she went. As a result, Jenna’s PTSD from her abusive relationship began to slowly wind down. In her own words, “Suddenly I realized I was sleeping through the night and not looking over my shoulder all the time. Life was getting better."
This is just an example of how a dog can do wonders for someone.
(Please note: this is not advice for how to handle an abusive relationship, PTSD, or mental health issues. Please contact the appropriate authorities if anyone is struggling with these issues).
3. Emily's Experience - Love Grows and Bonds Form
Explore the narrative of Emily, a self-professed non-dog person who unexpectedly found herself caring for her husband's dog. Follow her emotional journey of anxiety, adjustment, and gradual affection as she realizes the organic rhythm and connection that a dog brings to a family. Experience the transformation of someone who initially had reservations into a devoted dog lover, showcasing the profound impact dogs can have on our lives and relationships.
Emily readily admits she is not a dog person. She has never wanted a dog nor had the energy required to love one.
But she cares and loves for her husband, who is most definitely a dog person. Since Emily loves her husband, by the rules of marriage, that love also transfers over to his dog. That’s how it works, right?
She had mixed feelings about the dog in the beginning. She felt anxious to have a dog. She was scared that she might do something wrong. It was a delicate balance of desperately wanting her dog to love her, but also wanting him to go away at the same time.
But Emily’s dog is here to stay. And she is here to take care of him. She walks him, feeds him, and laughs at him. I mean, with him.
She admits her love takes work. She loves her dog. There’s no guarantee she’ll love yours too. But after the first night alone, something seemed to click. Maybe it was something about her dog’s happy laugh. Or something about his puppy magic. But somehow, adopting him brought an organic rhythm and connection to her family. So now she gets dog people. For her, she’s seen how the grass is greener on the other side, and how much her dog loves playing in it. And even though her dog Finn was abandoned by his previous owners, he’s found a forever home with his new ones.
4. Kayla's Transformation - Overcoming Fear and Discovering Love
Delve into the inspiring story of Kayla, who overcame a deep-rooted fear of dogs after being introduced to her boyfriend's Great Dane puppy. Witness how patience, trust, and the unwavering desire for friendship led to a newfound love for dogs. Kayla's tale is a testament to the power of dogs in helping individuals conquer their fears and open their hearts to unconditional love and companionship.
Kayla was scared of dogs. After she was bit by a golden retriever as a child, she developed a fear of dogs that stayed with her until she was 20.
Her boyfriend introduced her to his Great Dane puppy. And that began turning the tables for her. Despite still being scared, she watched as the dog slowly began following her lead and learning her rules and habits. He wanted to be friends with her, and friends they became. She slowly grew to love him, and the positive experience led to her getting her own puppy one day.
Today, Kayla has joined the dog side. Her own puppy, Odin, has cemented her love for dogs, and now she loves every dog that she sees. Her transformation has been so powerful that even her own family is shocked by the change in her behavior and that she has her own dog now.
Conclusion
So, if you're on the fence about adopting a dog, take it from these non-dog people who took the leash and never looked back. Adopting a dog may just change your life for the better. And make you get a fence for your dog.