In mid-March, as Los Angeles prepared for the impending stay-at-home order, I decided it was time to add another dog to our family. My husband had suggested this before, but I had always dismissed the idea. Our household was already crowded, with one dog, two cats, two adults, and two young children sharing a space that many would deem too small for such a busy family. “I’d be open to getting another dog when we have more time,” I had previously stated. Suddenly, with the world slowing down, we found ourselves with an abundance of time.
Rescue organizations typically showcase their animals with enticing photographs and detailed personality descriptions. They highlight traits like being great on a leash, having a fondness for gourmet treats, and quirky habits. In contrast, animal shelters provide minimal information—often just a couple of pictures and basic details. A typical post might read: Here’s a dog. It’s a dog. Want it?
At that moment, shelters were closed to visitors but still facilitating adoptions. You could view a dog online, pay upfront, and then receive your new furry friend through a side entrance. It was a wonderful distraction from the pandemic to scroll through shelter websites, and soon we came across a supposedly female, 28-pound, one-year-old mixed breed who looked cheerful in her photo. I was thrilled at the prospect of bringing her home.
Reality Sets In
However, excitement often blinds us to reality.
We brought home our new dog, whom we named Daisy. We introduced her to the neighbors from a safe distance and tried to convince our kids that having another dog was exactly what we had envisioned. Yet, the nagging feeling of having made a mistake loomed over us.
From day one, it was evident that Daisy was not the gentle companion we had hoped for. Instead of a sweet Beagle, she seemed to be more of a mix between a Husky and a German Shepherd—an energetic, jumping, biting whirlwind. There was no way she weighed only 28 pounds.
As we adjusted to remote work and full-time childcare, Daisy’s 40+ pound frame crashed into our lives with reckless abandon. Did she mercilessly pounce on our older dog? Yes. Were our cats now on high alert, wary of a dog that seemed immune to their defensive swipes? Absolutely. My three-year-old son even became her favorite plaything, which he surprisingly enjoyed.
I walked Daisy daily, fed her, and endured her near-constant nipping. While her bites didn’t break the skin, they certainly didn’t feel playful. She nipped when she wanted to engage, when she was hungry, or simply frustrated. As days passed, my husband and I found ourselves questioning our impulsive choice, often muttering, “What were we thinking?”
Facing the Truth
To be frank, we knew the risks.
When I first contacted the shelter, I discovered that Daisy had been returned by her previous owner due to biting. After just eleven days, the last family reported her as “uncontrollable.” Eager for a companion during quarantine, we had overlooked these serious warnings, convincing ourselves that a mouthy puppy was manageable and that the prior owner was simply unable to handle her.
Adding an uncontrollable dog to our already strained household felt like a complete misstep.
A Month Later
Fast forward a month, Daisy remains a part of our family. We’ve redirected childcare funds to virtual dog training sessions and have implemented numerous baby gates to keep everyone safe. While her biting has decreased by 40%, it’s still a significant concern. Yet, Daisy is also affectionate, playful, and intelligent, showing glimpses of improvement as she attempts to overcome her bad habits.
Through this experience, I’ve come to realize how unrealistic our expectations can be. At the outset of the pandemic, I felt silly overpacking my office in anticipation of remote work. Now, I wish I had taken even more supplies. In March, we all thought we were preparing for a brief disruption.
Recently, my therapist suggested that perhaps Daisy wasn’t the ideal fit for our lives at this moment. I recognized she was right; however, I chose to dismiss that advice. I’d like to believe that in a few years, we’ll look back on Daisy’s chaotic early days with fondness, reminiscing about how we navigated those challenges as a family. We all yearn for that voice from the future to assure us that everything will be alright, that our loved ones will be safe, and that we can find joy amidst the chaos.
Resources for Further Reading
For more insights on navigating similar challenges, consider checking out this blog or resources from Cryobaby and UCSF’s Center focused on home insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, navigating the unexpected complexities of adopting a challenging dog during quarantine has taught us about resilience, patience, and the importance of facing our decisions head-on. While our journey with Daisy continues to be a work in progress, we are committed to uncovering the wonderful companion we believe she can become.
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