10 Reasons Why Every Writer Needs a Dog
No, I'm not talking about a dog of a story, I'm talking about the yapping, tail wagging, love you forever kind of friend that writers should not be without. However, in deference to all my kitty-loving friends I must admit that some cats have been able to capture the same wonderful traits found in dogs.
Katie is my baby…well, she's actually a Bichon Frise, but as far as I'm concerned she's my baby. She loves me unconditionally, pines for me when I go out and jumps for joy when I return. Okay my husband loves me, but he doesn't miss me if I spend hours at the mall (actually he's glad he wasn't asked to come) nor does he jump for joy when I return.
Katie is thrilled with a piece of bologna…, husband, not so thrilled.
Katie is content to sit in my lap for hours on end while I work…husband prefers to watch ballgame (any kind)
Now that you've got the picture, I'll tell you the truth. Sweet adorable little Katie is a replacement dog. She was adopted from a rescue center after my first Bichon died at the ripe old age of 18. My first dog was Brandi, and she was every bit as loving as Katie (it's a dog thing) After I lost her, I was heartsick, could not write and cried at the drop of a hat. I was wearing my sadness like a plastic raincoat that has no warmth and leaves no room to breathe. As enveloped in this sadness as I was, I simply could not bring myself to go to a breeder or pet shop and pick out a dog to replace my Brandi, yet I missed the companionship more than words (even a writer's words) can tell.
I finally wriggled out of my own sorrow and decided that if I could no longer have MY dog, I could at least give a less fortunate pooch a home. I found Katie through an internet adoption site and applied for her. Thus we became Mistress and Dog. While Brandi was fluffed, puffed and adorable, poor little Katie came to me shaved, newly fixed and looking like she'd just escaped a concentration camp …how could I not compare this scraggly creature to the adorable dog I'd just lost? But God in His wisdom gives dogs something that people sometimes lack…the ability to keep on trying to win your heart regardless of rejection. Within the week I was hers. Now I can't imagine my life without her. Oh she's not Brandi, and I know longer expect her to be. I love this feisty little rescue dog who of her own free will leaped into my lap as I sat at the computer, and stayed there. Quite obviously she knew more about love than I did…but I'm learning. Now Katie is as much a part of me as an arm or a leg; and I wouldn't change her any more than she'd change me.
Now, here are the 10 REASONS WHY EVERY WRITER NEEDS A DOG
1) A Dog needs to pee, so you are forced to periodic breaks from the computer.
2) A Dog happily listens to that revised manuscript as many times as you want to read it.
3) On a cold afternoon a dog in your lap keeps you warmer than a space heater.
4) A Dog does not expect you to actually cook dinner…a slice of bologna or take out is fine.
5) Although you can paper your walls with rejection letters, your dog still thinks you're better than Jodi Picoult, Anne Tyler, or Sara Gruen.
6) A dog doesn't punch a time clock, they'll keep you company for as long as you work.
7) A dog will join you in a lazy day nap, or stay in bed beside you if you're sick.
8) A dog will prevent you from getting fat (they get half of every cookie!)
9) A dog eliminates the need for a doorbell.
10) A dog will teach you what unconditional love actually is.
But a word of warning…once you fall in love with a dog it is a forever thing! I know. Trust me, I know!
Your story sounds so similar to mine. Our little min pin died at the age of 15 1/2 and we grieved for 11 months. One day we decided to just “look” at an adoption event. In one cage was a bichon/min poodle mix who was hovering in a corner and didn’t want to be touched. She was shaved and shook with fear. We found out she was a very neglected 2-4 yr. old mama seized from a puppy mill. We got permission to take her home for a one week trial and we practically had to drag her out with her tail between her legs. The next week we returned with a completely different dog who proudly walked in with her head and tail held high. The organization staff person said, “She is certainly your dog!” It took us about a year to get her digestive system healthy. Now it’s nine yrs. later and she is a senior just like her mama. She has given us countless amounts of love and joy and is such a blessing to me and my husband. We like to say we rescued each other.
Oh Bette,
I loved your sharing the story of your two dogs. Our first dog Madison was a pure bred Shih tzu we bought my daughter when she was six. Madison was the perfect dog for her. She let her dress her up in people clothes, put her ears in hair ties, pull her barbie carriage, swim in the pool together. Two peas in a pod. We lost Madison when she was 10 unexpectedly.
I was a lost soul. Then I decided I was so lonely that I went to the Humane Society. After three visits I brought home our Shih tzu/terrier/poodle mix who we named Cosmo. He brought us all back to life. We rescued him and he definitely rescued me. I can’t imagine not having a dog. Unconditional love, all day every day. You can’t beat the love you get from your four legged baby!
I love your list. I lost my basset hound 2 years ago and it broke my heart. I had read in a book by the vet that wrote all creatures great and Small that he recommended replacing your dog right away. So two weeks later I got my wonderful Walker treeing Coonhound, a rescue dog. I don’t believe he’d ever been in a house before he came to live with me. He was terrified of the stairs! He didn’t take away my sadness at losing Sherlock, but he made it more bearable. Now I can’t imagine living without him. So glad I discovered you and your writing!
What a wonderful tribute to your dogs. Bichons are so sweet and happy and loving dogs! My neighbor has one and it makes my day to see her. I have a Whippet named Audrey and we are devoted to each other. Wish I could send you a pic of us in my favorite reading spot. Thank you!
These are so true! I love my dogs! I lost Digi this past year but have 6 Chihuahuas and an Australian cattle dog. I love reading your writings. Thank you for sharing.
I love your ten reasons. I’ve always had rescue dogs. I had just lost my Chow Chow, Molly, to old age and moved into my new house a week later. I said I’d wait a year and then maybe get another dog. Within 6 months I had tqwo dogs dumped into my fenced back yard. As we haven’t got any no kill shelters here, I now had two dogs. LOL I love them. One is black and one is a light golden. I call them the ghost and the darkness and love them equally!
Thanks for sharing a glimpse into your life, Bette.
sounds like our two dogs. they both came from our land lady. She had to get rid of the labrador,cause it was just too active for her and her 3 little chihuahuas. My Husband needed to get more active after open heart surgery and Prudence was the answer. Little Roslin was given to us because the daughter had just had twins and Roslin was possessive or so she thought. Prudence loves running and playing keep away and Roslin just loves laying in my lap or playing with Prudence. I am happy with our two loving dogs, they are there no matter what and love to go for rides to the dump or just for some fresh air. I can not live without their love and they show it even if we are just outside for a few minutes without them. Thank you for your story and the reasons to have a dog. Best reasons ever!!!!
I agree with everything you wrote, Bette. My husband and I got a Golden Retriever, through a friend that had rescued him from a puppy mill. It was soon after we moved into our home, and I was on cloud nine. I love animals but especially dogs. But it soon became apparent that there was something wrong with this animal, as he couldn’t run very long without getting tired. We took him to a vet and they did tests and said he had a heart murmur, and wouldn’t make it past 1 year old. We were heart-broken and prayed that this animal would get better…but he died 10 days after we got him. His name was Red, and We loved him. He is buried in our back yard.Sadly, I have been to many funerals but I cried more for this poor animal who loved us unconditionally, than I ever did for a family death. It took us a few years to come to terms with everything, to open our hearts to reaching out for another dog…but we did and we got 2 Lab brothers as puppies, the black one (the boss) is called Toro, my husband’s choice, and the red hair one (my pick) is called Cocco, but I should have called him Mr. Licky, as he licks everyone. We went looking for 1 dog but came home with two brothers, as the black one peed in my husband’s hand, and he said this is good luck, and they are soulmates. We don’t have any children, so these our our “babies”. They are spoiled and have a good life, but they love and protect us totally. They sleep with us in our King size bed, so it is a race to get your spot first or you are sol. I work from home, so both babies lie beside me, and follow me around like a duck. No need for a doorbell, and you will never be cold with 2 Labs. Cocco & Toro have brought much love to our home, and have made us better people. Pictures of our Labs are on my Profile on Goodreads.
Awww I love how even though you don’t have a dog you help others. How sweet!
Thank you for sharing Carol. I love how fur babies can help heal their owner’s heart. My new series in March 2018 also features a special fur baby. 🙂
Dear Bette, You know my heart well. Every word you wrote about Brandi and Katie I have felt for my dogs that have left me and for the one that has my heart now. Coco is my Chocolate Havanese happy girl. She loves me through lots of stressful days, with her soulful eyes and her smiling playful face. She reminds me that although I have lost Misty, Lulu, Patrick, Jacques, Max and Molly and lastly little Wally my sweet rescue dog that I only had for two years, there is always room in your heart waiting for another dog. I don’t understand how I could ever be without my Coco. When my husband became very ill and we had lost Max, that was a time that required my caretaking 24/7 and I tried 4 rescue dogs that didn’t work out and finally gave up after my husband passed away. I am convinced he knew how much I was missing a dog and sent me Wally. Somehow I was lucky to adopt him through PRVT. Losing Wally was doubly hard so soon after losing my husband. Now Coco is here and I didn’t wait long for her, I just knew she was meant for me. I actually traveled to VA to get her and another dog which I brought back with me for a friend of mine who thought she would never ever have another dog. It was a win win for both of us for sure.
Bette, I loved this. Dogs are the most loving creatures and I am so glad you have found Katie. I have wanted a dog all the years we’ve been married, but my husband does not. I shower all the neighborhood dogs and my granddog with love and they return it ten-fold. Dogs know when they’re loved.
â10 Reasons Why Every Writer Needs a Dog | Bette Lee Crosby’s Books…Words, Wit and Wisdomâ was indeed a terrific article, cannot wait to read even more of your posts. Time to waste numerous time online lol. Thanks for your effort -Kathaleen
Hi Aunt Bette
What a sweet story.
Totally agree with all that you wrote.
Love you tons
Jackie
Love this story, and truly understand because of the loss of our Copper, as you know….after 14 years. We have never thought of another dog since….but one day should I ever lose my husband….will look for a replacement. Not in another man….but in another true companion like Katie. 🙂
Oh my gosh, what a great story. I loved it. You ought to follow Katie around for a month and write humerous stories about her life. I loved the top 10 reasons. In addition to all of the people you have hooked on your blog by feeding them chapter by chapter of CITS…you could hook a few more readers by letting them follow Katie’s escapades.
I didn’t have a dog when I was working in NY – for many of the same reasons, it doesn’t work for everyone, but when it does, it’s very sweet. I’m sure you have special people in your life who provide a suitable substitute for a dog. Thanks for the Check. I kinow you’ll enjoy the book. Bette
I agree with every word. My little ‘ghost writer’ Bela is sitting on my lap this very minute. Your posts are marvelous!
Your story of Brandi and Katie touched me deeply. We also have known the grief of losing an old friend.
Dogs truly are the most loyal of friends. They lick your wounds, stay by your side when all others have gone, defend you with their life and inspire you to be a better person as reflected in their eyes.
To love a dog is to know that all that is good and nobel is possible.
Dogs teach us courage by example and inspire us to be as smart and kind as they seem to think we are.
Hi Bette,
I think I’m too selfish for a dog. I like to take vacations and only certain places take dogs. I don’t want to put them in a kennel because they always come back with kennel cough. I would feel like I’m imposing if I bring him to any of my children’s homes when I stay with them days and weeks at a time (presently I’m staying months at my son’s in Tampa). When we get those horrible freezing and snowy days up north, I don’t want to go out for a walk. Maybe, if I ever move to Florida, I will consider it.
But I know if I had a dog, I would want it to look like your Katie. She is adorable!
~Pat
Hi Bette, What a great story! Makes me want to get a
dog like Katie to keep me warm and be there when you need extra “hugs”.
Love, Caroline
Bette…I LOVED IT!!!! I can picture Brandi giving you lots of kisses, thinking GREAT STORY! CAN I HAVE A TREAT NOW?? This story just made me smile and feel good all over. XOXOX
Love,
Donna