My Experience: Owning a Dog in Your 20s

When I was younger, I was told that you are supposed to enjoy your 20s. This was meant to say have fun and make mistakes because you learn from them. One thing I did, that I thought was a mistake early on, was get a dog in my early 20s. It has been one of the most difficult yet rewarding challenges other than having a baby. It truly is something you look forward to everyday. The big smile on your pups face when you come home makes everyday worth it.

When I was 20, I was engaged and lived in an apartment with said fiance. We decided the best thing for us, at the time, was to get a dog. I insisted we go to the shelter as I was raised on rescuing animals from the shelter. They tend to be the sweetest, most loving out of them all. We had gone to the shelter twice. The first time was just to look and none of the dogs seemed to fit my vibe sadly. I wanted a dog who felt comfortable with me and vice versa. The next time we went to the shelter, we saw a momma and her litter who had come in the day before. All the puppies were so rambunctious and adorable until I laid my eyes on the runt of the litter sitting in the back corner. She was the most precious pup I had ever seen. She looked up at me with the sweetest eyes and I knew she was for me. She was only a few weeks old and did not have a name yet. She was to be fixed that night and come home with us the next day. She was a beautiful black mutt, I say mutt because they never really told us what breed she was, and she had just one white streak of fur in front. I decided to name her Phantom. She was the first dog I had ever gotten as an adult.

She was a usual puppy. Pretty destructive and learning to potty train but was so cuddly. She was being crate trained but also would cuddle with me in the mornings before I went to school. I truly loved this dog and I was excited to raise her with my now ex fiance. I did not truly realize just how much this dog loved me and all I did for her until this one particular night. My ex had gotten promoted so I had the idea we get dressed up and go to a nice dinner, which we did. Little did I know this would cause a HUGE fight about money that night. It wasn't until I was on the floor, in tears, with him screaming at me while standing over me that I realized just how much Phantom loved me. She was so concerned with me and how I was feeling at that moment that she did everythig is her little puppy power to draw my attention away from my screaming ex to her. She was licking my face while sitting in my lap and bringing me toys. She managed to calm me down in that moment. Sadly, Phantom had to be put down this year because her brain was slowly dying causing her to start attacking the other animals. She lived to be about 6 years old and my parents took her in when I joined the military. She was just as protective over my mom as she was to me. I mourn her death daily because of the things she taught me but also did for me when she was just a puppy.

Now, I have a 3 year old Australian Shepherd who is almost exactly like me in every way. They say a girl and her male dog could conquer the world and this is the truth. I got Jasper, the aussie, at the age of 22, with my ex husband, when he was just 8 weeks old. He seemed like the quiet one of the bunch coming out of the dog house sleepy and just walking around the puppy pen. I did not realize until I got home just how crazy I was for picking "the quiet one in the back". He was crazy, running around, chewing on everything, and barking at nothing. Which he still barks at nothing, this has not changed. It was difficult for two military members to raise a puppy in a small apartment. But I managed somehow. Taking him out on a leash in the middle of winter, in Colorado, in the early morning before the sun was up, was difficult. Trying to potty train him that way made it even more difficult. I felt bad for leaving him during week because there was not doggy door for the apartment. Now, I have a house my boyfriend and I rent with a large backyard he can run around in and lots of space inside so he does not feel cramped. It has definitely been a long journey with Jasper including 3 moves in 3 years and terrible people I learned to let go of.

One thing I have learned with Jasper, along with finding my freedm from terrible men, is just how much I need my Bubbas in my life. He is always smiling and waiting for me at the door when I get home. He loves his new baby brother and will let us know when he needs something. He is patient with his treats and the cats. He truly is the best dog, just still crazy. I will fight tooth and nail for this dog. I have had people try to adopt him from me, when I never said he was up for adoption, along with my ex trying to get me to sell him during the divorce. I have left parties early, gone back home because I was not sure if he had water or if I gave him a kiss, and even opted out of fireworks on 4th of July because I knew he needed me home. I have also learned how the things I have gone through affect my dog. For example, Jasper does not like men. He is very afraid of them, which I think stems from my own fear of men. But, I have learned how to help him cope when we have people over. He has gotten so much better over the years but still will stand behind me when people come over. We have learned and grown up together.

So why am I sharing all my experiences with the dogs I have owned? I want to share how much a dog, or any animal, can help you in your 20s. Need a reason to leave a function? Hey, sorry my dog is not feeling well. Need someone there to listen to you but not respond? I promise your dog will listen to you when you talk, unless you are telling them to stop barking. Having a dog in your 20s is truly worth it. Some people find it difficult to have a social life and also have a dog at home. When it comes to social events where people can bring their animals, I have trouble bringing Jasper. He is a reactive dog and tends to lose his mind but it gives me an excuse to talk about him. I would feel bad sometimes going to work then coming home to get ready to hang out with friends for the night. It is a constant pull on staying home with him or going to hang out or even deciding to go to Denver for the day. Another thing you have to be conscious of is travel. You cannot just pack up and leave on a week trip. It has to be planned. You need someone you can trust to come and take care of your baby. There are many things you have to learn by yourself when you own a dog. Of course, I had dogs growing up but my dad would train them most times. Its difficult wanting to live the free life but I would not have it any other way.

There are a lot of pros and cons about having a dog in your early adult years. If you find the good outweighs the bad, you can find just how much you need your four legged furry friend.