I thought having a dog was the hardest thing ever. And then I got a second dog and realized that there’s always room for a bigger challenge. A year ago, yesterday, Hamilton became Teddy’s little brother. In full transparency, getting a second dog was a pretty big mistake. I had my doubts and lost sleep for a week leading up to getting him, but committed anyway. It was a very rough first year together with little Hamilton as he has a devilish streak, unlike anything I’ve ever seen with a pup.
He seeks out trouble!!
I’ll never forget one night where he was this tiny little thing and dragged his food bowl by the rubber rim out of his crate and flung it across the room. All the while making complete eye contact with me and there was legit a twinkle his eye. I knew I was in trouble right then and there.
Things are even harder now that I’m taking care of the two pups on my own, but it’s getting better every week. I’m praying Ham chills out a little more over this second year. He’s one of those dogs though that captures everyone’s hearts. I probably get two comments a day, no exaggeration, from people saying, “I’m not a dog person, but I’m obsessed with that dog.” Even the manager of our apartment building is obsessed with him, and she doesn’t like any dogs.
Even though he’s pretty naughty, he is also the snuggliest dog ever. Teddy likes to be nearby, but Hamilton prefers to be as close as possible. I wake up every night or so with him snuggled up near (or on) my face. He sleeps like a human, tucked into the sheets and everything.
One of my biggest personal struggles this year has been dealing with the residual resentment associated with Hamilton. I’m not proud of it, but that’s the truth. There were nights where both dogs were so sick and the proverbial and literal sh!t was hitting the fan that I thought I couldn’t do it. I was so overwhelmed and felt way in over my head. But I decided to take it one day at a time. There have still been stressful days with the dogs, and I often grapple with guilt when I travel and have to leave them behind. But they do bring so much joy throughout the day. (And they are freaking obsessed with the place where they stay while I’m gone… like I think they prefer it over being home with me to be honest.) Ham especially is a happy little dog who just wants to play hard and snuggle harder.
