Enjoying Retirement with Doggies

This week I am reminded that I am happiest in the presence of dogs.  We had a dog, Murphy the Very Bad Beagle, for nearly 14 years.  Those of you who have had Beagles know how hard it is to live with them, but how easy it is to love them.  After she died, we decided not to get another doggy just yet.  We wanted to enjoy the freedom to travel and the ease of not being responsible for another cuddly family member.

When I retired, I thought I would rush right out and volunteer at an animal shelter.  I still didn’t want to commit to another dog since we wanted to continue enjoying guilt-free travel.  But I never did go volunteer at the shelter because I knew what would happen, I would have at least one dog by now.

That’s why this week has been so much fun.  In the 14 years that Murphy was around, we never had to put her in a kennel when we traveled.  We relied on the generosity of our friends and family who, over the years, were kind enough to stay in our house to take care of Murphy-the-very-difficult-dog.

Which is part of the reason I will always jump at the chance to help my friends when they and their doggies need a vacation.   Even though most of these friends are not the same friends that took care of Murphy, I’m a firm believer that what goes around comes around. 

Today concludes the vacation of Lucy the-incredibly-well-behaved Golden Retriever.  I have loved having her follow me around all week.  Especially since I know she will go back to enjoy a loving home when we’re done with her canine vacation.  I’m still not ready for a dog of my own, and I don’t think I could work with homeless doggies without bringing a few home.  But I do love that retirement gives me the chance to enjoy some quality time with my friends’ pets while they enjoy some quality vacation time knowing their dogs are being spoiled rotten.

Related Posts:

            Retirement and the Temptation to Get a Dog

            Will Work for Wine

            Retirement Resolutions that Didn’t Make the Cut

 

This is a post from Retirement:  A Full-Time Job

 

Comments

[Mike Crosby]

Lucy Good Geeeeeeeeeeerrrrlll;>)

[Sara]

Even I love Lucy... What a good GIRrrLLL!

[Bucksome Boomer]

That face is so cute! Sounds like you've worked out a good plan for doggie love for now.

[The Financial Power]

I love dogs too. We have a Lucky too, but it's a boy. He is a small maltipoo with a cute face and a great personality.

I understand your concern that working with animals at a shelter would result in bringing some home. Dogs are friendly and there is just something in their eyes. You look into their eyes and you can see the love.

Dogs are humans best friends. They love you even if your cruel with them.

[Kathy G]

Hey, if you're in the SF Bay Area, I have 4 beagles you can dog sit -- just say the word! :-)

We love our beagle family and don't go too many places w/o them; in fact, we are considering getting an RV so that they can travel with us in more comfort!

But I must confess that I would love to get back to Maui with my husband, and that means leaving the beagles some place I feel is trustworthy.

I don't have that just yet.

[Retired Syd]

@Kathy G: Wow FOUR beagles, you are a real glutton for punishment, aren't you. I suppose you have lids on all of your garbage cans, right? I'm just having trouble understanding how they all fit in the bed with you?

Within a few months of having Murphy, our no-dogs-in-bed vow was out the window. She didn't just sleep ON the bed either--she would stand at the top of the bed near our heads nudging the blankets until we lifted them. Then she would head all the way down under the blankets and curl up by my feet. I have no idea how she got enough air, but that's how she slept it for nearly 14 years!