Dogs are the perfect excuse

There are a lot of reasons to have a dog. Studies have shown that dog owners are happier. Dogs provide companionship, unconditional love, relieve anxiety, and insist that we’re active. What most studies don’t show is that they also provide an unanswerable excuse.

Especially if whatever engagement you want to get out of is with another dog person. “I can’t, my dog isn’t feeling good” will get you sympathy, good wishes, and relief from any guilt. The other person will probably even call the next day to see how your dog is doing. 

Hang up quickly

Dogs are also a rock-solid excuse to cut phone conversations short. We’ve had to do that a few times “Gotta go. The dog is throwing up” lets you hang up without further explanation. Unfortunately, whenever we’ve used this one, it’s been true. There was the inevitable grab the dog off the couch and find a tile floor to put them down. A few years ago, before we found out he had an ulcer, Tango would throw up daily. It was just a matter of when. The answer was almost always: “The most inconvenient possible moment.” Fortunately, medication keeps his ulcer in check and it’s no longer a daily occurrence. (Yes, your mental picture is correct, I’m knocking wood as I type this.)

Leaving early

Tango is actually really useful as an excuse. When you have a 16-year-old dog, people believe you when you say you have to get home and get him outside. It’s just as tethering as having a puppy. Unlike with puppies, you’re hoping the time limit lasts for a very long time. Puppies grow out of it. At the other end, the time is precious.

Of course there are some things you can’t do when you have a dog. Spontaneity is pretty much out of the question. You can’t go for long weekends on the spur of the moment. Traveling anywhere takes planning.  And there are some times you wish you could stay another hour and listen to the band, but you know you shouldn’t. 

We sometimes wonder about young adults who choose to own dogs. Just out on their own, and taking on the responsibility for another life. We see quite a few young couples in our training classes who made that choice. We think it’s fantastic. It’s the same choice we made and it’s brought us joy, love, and laughter. Dogs have been the vehicle for socializing, bringing us lifelong friendships with like-minded people. Even if you have absolutely nothing else in common, there’s always something to talk about with other dog people.