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I thought I was prepared for becoming a puppy parent for the first time – I SO wasn’t. Yes, puppies are cute, but they're hard work! And yet it wasn’t the dirt and general chaos which floored me, it was the anxiety.
Archie, my Zuchon puppy, was a tiny scrap of a thing who was dependent upon me – I worried I was getting it all wrong. All thoughts of writing went out the window, in fact, I wondered how I would ever find the time to write again, but that was during the early days. I’ve come a long way since then, and now I want to help other people considering getting a puppy for the first time, or who have just become puppy parents and who are struggling. And I thought I should also try to warn my fellow writers out there, who might be considering getting a puppy; in fact, a lot of this will apply to anyone working from home.
Puppies are:
Distracting
Puppies want to be with you all the time! And if they’re not with you, then they’re more than likely doing something they shouldn’t like chewing your shoes. You’ll need to factor in some extra time in order to meet a work deadline (or arrange for someone else to look after pup for a bit).
Although you might be used to writing whenever you want, you’re going to have to learn to write / edit in-between your puppy’s naps (thankfully they sleep a lot!). Save your work regularly in case you suddenly have to dash off for toilet training duties.
Many times I’ll be sat at my desk trying to work and my dog will nudge my leg, wanting to play. He’s two now, and a lot less demanding than when he was a pup, so it does get better!
Expensive
If you’re at the beginning of your writing career, chances are you’re not earning much (if anything) from your writing, and even if you’re a seasoned writer your income may fluctuate. Puppies cost more than you think. It’s not just the obvious things like the initial cost of buying your pup, insurance, food, bedding, collar, lead, and toys. There’ll be things you’ve never thought about like flea and worming tablets, annual booster vaccinations, and grooming costs. As your puppy grows you’ll need to buy a bigger harness and bed, and so on. Make sure you factor all that in before you make the final decision to buy a puppy.
Inspiring
Your pup needs a walk and you need to get away from the computer for a bit to clear your head – win, win. I often come up with an idea for a story, or a solution to a plot problem when I’m out walking with Archie.
A play session with your pup will also help stimulate those creative juices. As your puppy grows you’ll be looking for more ways to stimulate them – you can let your imagination run riot.
You’ll more than likely find yourself writing about your puppy. Apart from the non-fiction book I’ve written specifically about Archie, I also write novelettes and Archie has made an appearance in my work-in-progress. I’ve also had an idea for a children’s story featuring Archie, so he’s definitely inspired my writing.
Socialising
Working from home means you don’t see people as often as you would if you were going to the office. Having a puppy or a dog means you have to go out daily, whether that’s for a walk round the block, or in the fields, or to the pet shop. You’ll meet plenty of people who’ll want to make a fuss of your pup.
For Life
Think about what breed is best suited to your lifestyle and accommodation. All puppies are demanding, and initially you’ll have less time for your writing, so be prepared for that.
Think also about the dog your pup is going to grow into. Some dogs have more exercise needs than others. Some slobber. Others shed lots of hair. One thing you won’t have to worry about is leaving your puppy often, since presumably you work from home for the majority of the time.
Puppies bring with them a lot of love. The early days will be exhausting and messy, but you’ll love your pup more than you ever thought possible. They’ll take over, but you wouldn’t have it any other way!
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| Archie now |
If you’re interested in reading more about my experience of bringing up my puppy, Archie, you can find my book here: mybook.to/AllAboutArchie.
