Thoughts about Bosch.

One of my biggest frustrations right now is my dog. And it seems kind of weird to say that because aren’t pets suppose to be enjoyable? But I have to say that there are a lot of times, especially during this puppy stage, that I have wondered if we made the right choice to adopt this mutt. Oh, you know, like the time he initiated a new friend to our house by peeing on his jacket or the time when he ran away - on purpose - just to piss us off. Who can forget the time when he chewed my favorite black high heels to shreds? Or the time he puked up black rubber, and I stepped in it? And then there are times that we expected, like finding out our dog had fleas and round worms. Even now, I’m listening to Ross trying to coax Bosh into submission so that his nails can be trimmed. Dogs are just a pain in the ass.

This is called 'I snuck a stick into the house without mom knowing...'

 

That being said. I really do love him. Sometimes when I’m feeling down, Bosch just nozzles right up and it’s just so cute, I can’t help but smile. And all those stupid dog commands that Bosch can’t seem to learn? Last Tuesday, he magically understood the word ‘come’, and I can’t tell you how proud I was of him. So he sheds a lot, but that’s okay. I can afford to clean my house more often. He cries at the door at 6:30 when Ross leaves for work, but that’s okay, I don’t need to sleep in until 8.

This is what I wake up to each morning.  So cute.

I think what I’m learning, and yes, from a dog, is just what it means to be a little less selfish. I go on 3 mile walks almost everyday, not because I love it, but because I know Bosch needs them. I let him drive around with me on errands not because it’s enjoyable to me, but because I know he likes it. I even make hard boiled eggs, and they’re not even for me. I just know Bosch likes them. It seems weird to me that even though some days I cannot stand the dog, that more days than not, I can’t imagine not having him anymore.

And this is a good training ground for the future. Bosch has already taught me how parenting will go for Ross and I. I will be the mean one (sigh… I probably already knew this, but the dog has emphasized the obvious) and Ross will be the fun one. Ross gets to throw the ball, rub his belly, and be cried for when he leaves for work. I get to pick up poop, do feedings, and punish when he’s bad. But – guess who the dog listens to more?

So, it’s been a great 3 months with Bosch. I’ve learned a ton about what it means to be a pet owner, what it will mean to be a parent, and how Ross and I interact with a living object under our protection. It’s amazing the many emotions Bosch can elicit and how much I can love and be annoyed with him at the same time.



PS:  This has nothing to do with the post, but Bosch wrestled with the cutest husky pup last Saturday at the dog park.  I cannot resist sharing it! :)