Growing up, we always had family dogs – black Labrador retrievers, the most affectionate and fun breed. The tradition continued with my brother, who now has three black labs in his family that his children adore. Friends also started introducing dogs into their lives, and I could see how much their lives were enhanced. I love animal interaction and knew I always wanted to get my own dog, however I always felt my lifestyle didn’t quite work – I travel a lot and wasn’t sure I had the right time to dedicate for those important first 6 months of bonding and training, so the years went by, and while I continued to toy with the idea, the time never felt quite right, and it simply never happened.

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When the virus hit, all of our lives changed dramatically. Our industry was hit very hard and I suddenly found that my travel schedule for the year would be minimal and I would have some additional time being based in my home – something I never saw happening when working in this industry, and I made the decision that 2020 was a year that I felt I could really dedicate to introducing a new family member into my life.

While I was ecstatic to be making this big life decision, this wasn’t something that I did lightly – a dog is for life, not just for CoVid after all. I knew that I was lucky to have extra time at home this year, but this would change as our destinations began opening up and our industry entered recover mode. I spent a lot of time researching breeds and what would work best for my lifestyle – a dog that I could dedicate time to train, to settle in, and bond with, but one that also would also be comfortable with me eventually travelling again.  I made sure I had several dedicated dog carer options within my local area for when I was away – people that I knew well and trusted for when I was away. I also realized, when looking at my lifestyle, how I could easily make some simple adjustments to my social life that could easily include my dog and allow them to be a part of much of my life.

And so, with much excitement, Butch, a beautiful bulldog puppy, came into my life this May!

Butch is a great puppy and friend. The last number of months we have created such a special bond. He has the most wonderful personality, the best little walk, and truly has been a blessing to my life. On the days that I am feeling a bit down, or having a tricky morning in work, I find Butch and he instantly puts a smile on my face.  Staying active during the pandemic has been a struggle with gyms closed and many indoor activities closed or curtailed – walks with Butch have brought not only a new physical wellbeing aspect to my life, but a mental wellbeing one, introducing the outdoors to me every single day.

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Introducing a dog is of course a huge amount of work, but the reward is so worth the effort.  There has been a tremendous amount of negativity in our world with the pandemic and all that has followed – understandable of course, we are all struggling. But for me, CoVid has introduced a new way of life to me –one that I may not have embraced for many years had I not been forced to slow down for a period of time, and for that silver lining, I am truly grateful.