GETTING A DOG IS THE BEST DECISION WE EVER MADE
(and the cutest too)
Photo by @vicveneziano.photo
Getting a dog, especially one that will live in the hockey world, is a huge decision. It means bringing a furry family member into your home that will fully depend on you, and sometimes, that can be a daunting commitment. But I can tell you that it’s the best one.
Meeka is our quarantine pup who we adopted about one week into the pandemic from an animal rescue in Alberta when she was three months old, and it’s safe to say we’re obsessed with her. Bringing her into our lives during a (very unexpectedly) early off-season made it so we could focus our attention on training her, getting her adjusted to our routines, and traveling with her without having to leave her for any extended period of time. We took her camping in Nordegg, on vacation in Kelowna, and swimming at Calling Lake all before she was a year old, which helped for a smoother transition into the ups and downs of hockey.
Although we got lucky with how even-tempered and easy-going Meeka is, getting a dog is still a huge commitment. It’s also a big step in a relationship and a new commitment to your partner! So, here are some things to consider before getting a dog:
Work schedules: Do you and your partner have enough time to make sure that you can give your dog enough attention, walks, and bathroom breaks?
Traveling: How will you travel with your dog (driving, flying, etc)?
Housing during the season: Depending on your dog’s breed(s), is it well-suited for an apartment? Will you need an Emotional Support Animal or Service Animal exemption?
Pet sitting: Will you need a pet sitter to watch your pup if you go home to see family, have to travel for work, etc.? For us, Rover has been an amazing resource that we’ve used when we go on vacation or I have to travel for work too.
Training your dog: Is training your dog something you both can commit to? Or will you need to find a trainer to take on the responsibility?
Long-Term Plans: Does a dog fit into your future plans five, ten years down the line?
These were all major topics that we considered before we adopted our dog. We knew that we were going to get a dog during the summer, but we still took our time in making the decision and preparing to bring Meeka home. In all honesty though, Meeka was our saving grace during the first season back after the quarantine. She gave us a reason to go outside for long walks and hikes, sit outside at our local coffee shop, and explore new places that we wouldn’t have otherwise gone. She made us truly appreciate what we have in this crazy life.
Now, on to the good stuff.
Here are some of the wonderful reasons why you should get a dog this season:
A dog is a constant companion: We all know how lonely the hockey life can be with away games and road trips, and a dog provides a sense of comfort and safety for times that could otherwise be isolating. A pet gets you into a routine with walks and trips to the park, and is your built-in cuddle buddy for movie nights or watching the game at home.
A dog makes a new place feel like home: Constantly moving, getting a new place, being in a hotel, going to a new team, etc. can make it difficult to feel a sense of “home” within the hockey life. Having a dog provides a sense of stability and normalcy because you know you’ll always have them and their love.
A dog makes making friends a little easier: There are usually always other couples on the team who have dogs, and taking your dogs for a walk or to the park is a great way to break the ice and make friends. Plus, your dog gets another furry friend out of it! During the first Covid season when we couldn’t go to games or get together at all, going for walks with the pups outside was the only form of in-person social interaction we could get and I never took it for granted!
A dog brings you and your partner closer: It’s your fur baby! Getting a pup means transitioning into a new routine where you both have to share the responsibilities of caring for your pet. This means more quality time together, more adventures, and unfortunately, a lot of poop to pick up (but it’s worth it). Plus, now you don’t need an excuse to leave the bar early because you have a legitimate one - “Alright we have to head out, we need to let the dog out.” You’re welcome.
If you can commit the time and energy to a dog, then you should definitely say F it and get a dog during the season. We can’t imagine our lives without Meeka now! She makes everywhere we go a home, and you can’t beat how excited your dog gets to see you each and every day without fail. There’s nothing like the unconditional love of a pet, and bringing that love into the hockey world can make everything seem that much brighter.
