If you talk to me long enough, the topic of small furry creatures is bound to come up. I love cats, dogs and other furry domestic critters. Sharing a corgi video is a guaranteed way to put me in a good mood immediately.
I grew up in a pet-friendly household. My family had several cats and a few dogs while I was younger, so I’ve always felt comfortable around animals.
But unfortunately, I don’t have a pet. A combination of my no-animals-allowed lease and hectic work schedule have forced me to put my dreams of owning a dog on hold. As much as I think I would be a good pet parent, it would break my heart to leave a furbaby in an empty apartment for long stretches of time while I’m at work. It just isn’t conducive to my lifestyle right now, and I realize that.
So, for now, I settle for mooching off of the pets of other people. Like my boyfriend’s dog, Chewbacca!
(PS: There are more cute photos if you hit the read more button.)
If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw a few pics of this guy last week.
Chewie is a pug, about six years old. Because Seth works a lot – and at weird hours – like me, Chewie usually remains in the care of Seth’s dad, who lives right between the two of us and is retired.
Whenever Seth’s dad leaves town, Seth is usually put on pugsitting duty. However, last week, Seth had to leave town too, in order to go to Indianapolis for some sports stuff. Apparently there was a big basketball game or something? So, they both asked if I would be interested in watching Chewie for the week while they were both gone.
Um, of course!
Seth’s dad dropped Chewie off with his crate, leash, harness, food, stuffed animals and lots of treats last Saturday morning, and I kept him until last Thursday night.
Pugs are bred to be companion dogs, which means they need a lot of affection and attention. So, if their comically sad eyes and natural frowns don’t persuade you to pet them every 20 seconds, pugs will make sure they get their attention by crawling onto your lap (or keyboard), snuggling up with you in bed, or crying when you leave them alone. They’re nicknamed “Velcro dogs” for their innate ability to follow you from room to room, acting as a surrogate shadow.
Chewie is no exception.
Chewie is one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever met, but he is very, very demanding. He had to sleep with me in my bed and I felt really bad when I left him alone for work! I went in late during the day and stopped home on lunch breaks to let him out of his crate and take him for a walk.
He also snores a lot due to his compact respiratory system, so I lost quite a bit of sleep during his stay.
Chewie doesn’t do well when he’s left alone, so when his owners leave for short periods of time, they put him in a large crate filled with soft blankets, toys and treats as a way of comforting him.
As much of a hassle as it was at first to remember to wake up and immediately take Chewie outside, I found myself liking the routine after a few days. It was nice to get an early-morning walk in before work, and it was really nice to have somebody so excited to see me when I got home from work! (No offense, Elise.)
I started talking with a few dog owners I know about their experiences owning dogs and working. Several of them suggested apartment-friendly breeds that I could look into in the future, should I ever choose to be a dog mom.
I think it’s definitely something I could see myself doing. Obviously any companion dog – like a pug – is out of the question, but I would love to own a small independent dog that lives well in small quarters.
Do you own a dog? Do you want one? What has your experience with dogs been like? Let me know in the comments!
I adopted a puppy last fall who I named Maizey. She is the best thing to happen to me. She was about 5 months old when I adopted her, but has been a very very easygoing dog. She’s a good mix of crazy energy at times, and also complete contentment with snuggling on the couch. she’s a total mutt — but definitely part husky which i think explains a lot of her fascination/love for snow.
i’m away from home for about 9 hours a day, but i go back home and let her out at lunchtime, and I’ve stuck a puppy-cam on her and most of the day she sleeps or plays in her crate. I don’t get the impression she gets anxious or anything when I’m not home. she also is pretty good when I just leave her in my living room area and removing all things she might get into.
She spends a few days a week with my boyfriends parents who are kind enough to watch her during the day (sounds kind of like seth’s dad!).
I love love having her. she brings me tons of joy.
and of course pics are here:
http://laurenalysse.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-best-thing-that-happened-to-me-in.html
xoxo,
L
I cannot WAIT to look at those photos as soon as I get off this Disqus moderation page! That’s so good to know. I have a coworker who had a pomeranian, and she said those were good apartment dogs. It’s good to have reassurance that I can find breeds that would be OK in apartments! Thank you so much for your input, it really means a lot!
Ahhh so cute! I love dogs but unfortunately as a student I only have two cats. Not that that’s unfortunate, I love them haha :p Once I graduate and maybe rent a house or something I want to get a dog. I grew up with all types of dogs from Aussie’s to little Chihuahua’s. I love them all!
~Carissa
I feel you! I don’t even have a cat.
But when I MOVE TO CHICAGO IN A FEW WEEKS (Hope you checked your blog comments!) maybe I’ll get a cat-friendly apartment! 
Get a cat friendly apartment! So exciting you’re moving to Chicago!
I’ll be touring some cat friendly apartments on Monday and Tuesday when I head to town.
And thanks! I’m pretty dang excited myself!
Super cool! Have a nice day, sweetie!!
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Thanks love!
He is too adorable for words! xx
fashionismyfirstlanguage.blogspot.ie
Thank you! It’s so hard to not just cuddle him every time you see him, that’s for sure!
Aww at least you have a dog friend!! I really want a pet but living in London in our little flat just means there is not room for one
I hope for some in the future though!! xx
Jasmin Charlotte
That’s true! I’m lucky I have lots of friends with pups to play with!
Oh my goodness pugs are my favorite! Chewie is also the cutest name I’ve ever come across for a dog
I have a dog back at home (I’m in college) and I miss her so much. She’s the sweetest thing, but she needs lots of attention. It’s good that you’re thinking about what the dog needs over your own wants. Some people get animals and don’t have the time that they need, and that’s really unfair to the pet. I hope you find the dog you’re looking for, or find time for a cute companion pup like a pug. xx
Brooke | brookewrote
It’s so hard to not be selfish sometimes and get a dog just for me, but I know that it would be really, really unfair to the poor animal! One day for sure I will get a dog when I know I can give it the attention and space it needs, but it’s not worth sacrificing the poor animal’s needs for my greed!
My boyfriend and I are both desperate for a dog but living in a tiny flat in London and working 10h days plus commuting just doesn’t make it feasible at the moment
Hopefully one day we’ll manage it though!
xx
Little Miss Katy | UK Lifestyle Blog
I know the feeling! I want a pup but it’s just not feasible. Maybe one day!
Oh my gosh, he is so cute! I love dogs…I wish I had one, but my cat won’t let me!
Haha, cats are so territorial and picky about that sort of thing! I’m sure your cat is just as lovable though.
Chewie?! That is the cuteness name! I have a dog with my boyfriend, Keith. He’s a German Shepherd/Husky named Timber. We’ve had him 6 years and we love him SO much. He’s had a couple living situations but right now (while we’re traveling and before we left) he lives with Keith’s parents with 3 other dogs. I miss him so much! & I agree. It’s nice to have a routine with a dog. It’s nice to be forced to go out and take a walk.
Christina
http://www.cityloveee.blogspot.com