If you've had a dog for a year

Sunday marks exactly a year since she arrived. Monti, our long-awaited Labradoodle. I remember very well that I was on a press trip and in the middle of the night filled out the ‘application form’ from the breeder in my hotel bed. Because doodles are in demand and she wants to make sure, rightly so, that the dog ends up in a loving home. My father warned me. A dog added, that became too much in an already full family. Another friend with a dog said it was fun but a hassle. Really quite often a hassle. I waved and brushed everything aside because that dog was just going to be part of my life. I also wrote about why getting a dog is a very good idea. A year later, it's time to draw conclusions, in case you also dream of such a fluffy creature.

1. Love

Pure love. Every morning when you enter the room, every time you’ve just been to the bathroom and walk back into the room. She is just as happy to see you every moment. I often think of John de Mol who is also in love with his dog. If you've had a heavy, unpleasant day and see such a wagging tail in front of you, you've forgotten all that. Even if it's just for a moment.

2. Never sleep in

If you're not an early bird, I would seriously think about this. Monti managed to hold out until ten to nine this morning, and that was a rarity. Usually, I’m already out with my plastic bags around half past six.

3. Side job

I used to complain a lot about dog poop on the sidewalk, so I’m quite manic and panicky when it comes to cleaning up the ‘droppings’. If I’m already bent over, I might as well pick up any litter lying around on the street.

4. Bulk buyer of diaper bags

Cleaning up those ‘droppings’ is certainly not my hobby, but a tip: buy diaper bags at Etos. They are pleasantly scented bags that are not transparent. Really, it greatly reduces the gag reflex you might have when sweeping up such a steaming little poop (have you had breakfast yet?) from the floor.

5. New friends

Claire, the ‘mother of’ Juultje, that nice man with his Beagle who also doesn’t listen, the former colleague I never saw again but now regularly meet in the woods; we (that’s Monti and I) have all made new friends. Even when I let her pee in the evening, I sometimes run into a neighbor and we have a nice chat. In short, it’s very good for your social status.

6. A child added

That ‘I can handle it all’ I really underestimated. Every Saturday morning to puppy class, to the vet for shots, to the dog grooming salon, oh dear, she has diarrhea, oh dear, she doesn’t have diarrhea, does she have a little spot? And why is she suddenly whining at half past four in the morning, just when I’ve taught all the kids to have a normal long night?

7. We walk ourselves silly

A fish needs to swim and a dog needs to run. I was already walking through the dunes when it was minus 15 last January. Put on the snowsuits and just run. That warm hot chocolate tastes so much better than after a Netflix session. As a family, I also find it very enjoyable. We go to totally different places and are screen-free for a while. Just looking at the trees, kicking leaves while walking with your hands in your pockets and talking about life.

8. The most important

The main reason Monti came into our lives is Flo, our dearest daughter with a mental disability. Monti gives Flo wings. She walks and runs, chats with people, and knows all the dogs in the neighborhood. The first thing she says when she wakes up is: ‘Shall we go to Monti?’

So if you’re considering getting a dog: it’s a job, but coincidentally my favorite task.