When I adopted my dog Layla nearly 4 years ago, I had many reservations. To begin, I had only had hamsters and fish prior to Layla. I had no idea how to raise a puppy (She was 6 weeks when I adopted her). Since she was picked up as a stray, the Humane Society had no idea how big she would get, or what issues she may have as a result of her tumultuous youth. And when she contract
ed distemper her first week, I wasn’t sure I could even afford having a dog.
But Layla filled a huge void in my life at the time. I was living alone in rural Texas as part of my service for Teach for America. It was my first year teaching. I had no local friends, my family was 1,800 miles away and every day was an emotional roller coaster with no end. Layla provided stability – something to focus on that took my mind of my own life.
Successes with Layla translated into increased confidence in my classroom. If I could house train Layla, if I could get Layla to stop biting, then it couldn’t be so hard to “train” my students.
And though Layla is an independent dog who doesn’t like to cuddle, she never failed to curl up next to me when I’d cry after a rough day.
All of this makes me feel like I owe it to her to be there. But being a single dog owner is tough. Working from 9-5pm and then having meetings at night keeps me away from home 14-16 hours a day. I hate that 
I come home just to sleep, with no energy remaining to play or walk her the way she needs. But at the same time, I despise asking people, specifically non-dog owners, for help because I feel I’m burdening others with my decisions.
I didn’t adopt a dog as an accessory. Perhaps I made a hasty decision. Perhaps I should have waited until I was married and had a partner to help me out.
But the truth of it is, I wouldn’t give her up for anything. I’m OKAY with the sacrifices that are made in the name of pet ownership.
The hard part is trying to get that point across to everyone else. Having to walk my dog, or go home early to be with her are not usually acceptable excuses to others in the social realm.
I can’t be alone in this. What do other single dog owners do? How do you deal with the guilt of being away versus the guilt of asking for help?
I can absolutely relate. I got Viva 9 years ago. I knew I wanted a dog but had no idea what that would mean. Quick runs home in the middle of the day to let her out, calling my mom in a panic to go pick her up because a flight back into town was delayed, hoping against hope that she can last another 30 minutes until I can get home.
Guilt? Yes. Regrets? None whatsoever. She has brought so much joy into my life that I can’t imagine it without her.
And you know what? No matter what kind of day I’ve had, no matter how late I am or how grouchy I might be, Viva loves me unconditionally. And it is that love that inspires me to change out of the high-heel shoes and into the walking shoes to take her out for a walk.
And if you ever need someone to run over and check on Layla — give me a call!
I too have been struggling with the idea of getting a puppy in the coming months. I’ve grown up with dogs, and absolutely love them. They’re more than just pets to me, they become a part of the family. But I do am faced with the fear of being a single dog owner and having to work 9-5 and go to meetings at night. How will I be there for her? And especially because I want a puppy, how will I give her the love, attention and training that she needs at that age.
I’m always glad to hear that it’s possible though to do it. Difficult at times, yes. But the reward in the end of having a companion there at all times has got to be worth it.
I’m moving into my own house in the coming weeks, so I’ll keep you posted on my decision. I’m sure if and when the time comes, I’ll need all the advice I can get!
You get a second dog, and lots of toys for two dogs to play with. They will keep each other company and provide each other with companionship.
This is how I did it until I met my husband. Now we have three!
Having a partner only makes it slightly easier. We both work 9 – 5 and I feel guilty all the time.
I guess it’s just good to know that I’m not the only one who feels guilty about the amount of attention my dog gets. And I always try to make weekends extra fun!
We still need to get Layla and Vega together!