I grew up with a dog in the ’80s. Her name was Lucy, a delightful mix of Border Collie and who knows what else. She was my constant companion, my best friend, and in many ways, my sister.
Life with Lucy in the ’80s
Here’s how I remember our life together:
- During the warmer months, my parents would let Lucy out after breakfast, and she would wander the neighborhood until dinner.
- Occasionally, I’d spot her peeking out from the bushes after chasing a few ducks.
- She loved swimming in the creek behind our house.
- She would run after the mail truck and even chased down Mr. Thompson’s camper.
- By 6 PM, she was back for dinner, feasting on Alpo.
- My parents would let her out before bed for a quick bathroom break.
- I never had to pick up after her, and oddly, I don’t recall ever seeing any messes.
- Throughout her 14 years, Lucy only visited the vet about six times.
- We often rode in the back of my dad’s pickup truck together.
That was life with a dog in the ’80s. Parenting back then was different, and it seems that dog ownership has also transformed significantly. Now, as a dog owner myself, I experience these changes daily.
Bringing Home Max
Before we brought home our pup, Max, I was aware of leash laws and the need for poop bags, but I had no idea about the extent of the new responsibilities. At Max’s first vet visit, the doctor examined his ears, teeth, and belly, but then the questions began. I was quizzed about his socialization, interactions with other dogs and kids, and even his emotional state. Was he attached to me? Did he perceive me as the alpha? Did he have any fears?
“Actually, he seems a bit scared of thunder,” I admitted.
“Be cautious; dogs can mirror your anxieties,” the vet advised.
I already worry about a million things, and now I need to be concerned about my dog’s mental wellness too? I enrolled Max in puppy kindergarten, hoping to teach him basic manners and to stop him from soiling the house. The instructor had higher aspirations for our furry friends. She emphasized that our dogs should not only live with us but thrive as well-adjusted members of society.
She instructed us never to engage with our dogs if they approached us with a toy. “You set the playtime rules,” she explained.
What?
She even encouraged us to bake our own dog treats to avoid unhealthy additives. “Store-bought snacks are loaded with sodium—that’s not good for them,” she warned.
Each week, I took Max to class, and without fail, he would dart to the center of the room and relieve himself. Other pet owners would exchange knowing glances as I cleaned up after him, with comments like, “Oh, he’ll catch on eventually,” but I sensed an air of competition.
“Charlie has been house-trained for weeks.”
“Bella never nips.”
“We only feed Daisy organic raw food.”
And then there’s the fact that I now carry a bag of dog poop wherever I go.
Reflections on Dog Ownership
I asked my mother, “Where did Lucy go to the bathroom?”
She paused, looking thoughtful. “I’m not sure.”
“Right?” I replied. “Did we ever see any mess in our yard?”
“No,” she said, shaking her head, “never.”
So, we had a dog for 14 years without ever encountering poop in our yard, or even on our street. It was like there was a magical poop fairy. Those were simpler times, filled with innocence and dogs whose waste seemed to vanish into thin air.
I’ve also had to learn about dog safety in cars. Apparently, Max cannot sit in the front seat due to airbag risks. “What if it goes off?” scolded a woman in a parking lot.
“Oh, I hadn’t thought about that,” I admitted sheepishly.
Max enjoys swimming, but we quickly learned he can’t just jump into deep water. Last summer, he dashed into our neighbor’s pool and started sinking. We jumped in to rescue him, and now he wears a life vest when swimming. I even bought him a kiddie pool to help keep him cool during hot days.
Max has developed several allergies, which the vet claims are increasingly common. He’s now on a gluten-free diet featuring rare proteins. He has eye drops and ear drops; I even wash his blankets with scent-free detergent. His organic, hypoallergenic shampoo costs more than my own!
When I called the vet one December because Max was vomiting and refusing to eat, they suggested he might be “stressed by the holiday season.” I could relate.
I bought him a bark collar that dispensed citronella spray whenever he barked, which worked wonders until he dozed off and accidentally activated it while snoring—prompting him to leap up in confusion. We had a choice: a barking dog or one deprived of sleep. Hence, he still barks.
The vet recommended a luxurious Italian leather collar for his irritated neck skin. Now he has a collar that’s nicer than any belt I own! They also suggested booties for winter, to protect his paws from salt and ice. We got him cute little boots that resemble Tom Brady’s Uggs, but getting all four on his squirmy body was a challenge. Who have I become?
I long for the days of letting Lucy roam freely around the neighborhood. I wonder if Max feels trapped by all the rules and training. Does he dream of the carefree life dogs led in the ’80s, or am I simply projecting my nostalgia onto him?
Further Reading
For more insights on modern parenting challenges, check out this article from another one of our blog posts. It’s a great way to stay engaged with the evolving dynamics of family life. Also, if you’re interested in home insemination kits, check out reputable retailers like Make a Mom. For additional information regarding pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC offers an excellent resource here.
Summary
The landscape of dog ownership has evolved significantly since the ’80s, with modern dog parents facing new responsibilities and challenges. From dietary concerns to emotional well-being, our furry friends are now treated as integral members of the family, leading to a whole new set of expectations and experiences.
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