We have invited a dog to become a member of our family. His name is Scout. He is an adult Australian Blue Heeler.
I have not had a dog since college, although I have wanted one, at times desperately. Until recently, I have not been in a situation that would have been fair to put a dog into. From the ages of 22 to 33, I moved approximately every two years—Athens (GA), Atlanta, Athens, London (UK), Aspen, Boston, Asheville—16, yes 16, moves between apartments, houses, and friends’ and relatives’ spare rooms. I prided myself on being able to fit my entire life into my four-door Honda Accord (in London, I fit my entire life into two large suitcases). I loved this lifestyle–and it was no place for a dog. I did have a cat, who had to bunk with my Mom while I lived abroad and in Boston—which I felt incredibly guilty about–although as one of my friends said, “Don’t worry about it. Gatsby gets to live in cat Taj Mahal.” So moving back in with me was probably a bit of a letdown for the poor beastie (particularly since I immediately put him on a diet—feasting and sloth were hallmarks of the cat Taj Mahal lifestyle).
So, now that I have lived in the same town for almost eight years (and only moved three times during that period). Now that I have a fenced-in yard and two kids. Now that I am a compulsive walker in need of a faithful walking companion. Now I can have a dog.
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