A Pie Chart of Life's Responsibilities

My life now revolves greatly around the husband and the dog. She needs two to three walks a day, physical exercise and mental stimulation. I like dogs, but I really didn't mind the freedom of not having one for many years. I still think a cat is easier to care for. I know exactly what having a pet entails, and that's why I wasn't hot about getting a dog. Right now, the responsibilities of caring for Choya are pretty much what I expected.

The man steps up to the plate where the dog is concerned. Yes. Must. He pushed to have this dog more than I did. He takes on his fair share of walks and such. But he's hopeless with her diet and uhhh... balancing her gut flora. And the dog never listens to him when he calls for bedtime especially if I'm not at home or if I'm not moving to the bedroom. Hahahah. Pandemic lockdowns are great for the dog — she has us all to herself without the interference of work travels or leisure vacations. 

Having a dog impacted upon our social life initially — simply because we don't have extra help with the dog. We had to severely cut down on dining out. It wasn't done to be out gallivanting five to six nights a week and leave the dog at home alone. The transition wasn't hard that because we started that two years ago before the dog joined us, as an acknowledgment of age and health that saw a conscious reduction of alcohol intake and an increase in the level of exercise. Also, pandemic lockdowns ensured compliance. Hurhurhur.

Up to three years ago, I'll never acquiesce to a home situation like this, to have the daily schedule revolve around the husband and a dog. OMG. SO BORING. Hahahah. Well. It's mundane for sure. To retain some semblance of me, I have to fight to keep on top of my own work and charity projects, staying the course with the exercise regime and getting alone-time. A pet is always a delightful idea till I have to make a decision to welcome one into the home and look after it on my own, then it's a whole new ball game. Which is precisely why I've never proactively wanted a pet. 

I'm just glad Choya isn't a human child. I've never wanted those. A dog isn't a replacement for the desire of a human child to call my own. Eiyerrrrr. I doubt I've ever experienced maternal instincts or any urge to have one. I'm not even keen on carrying a baby because I don't feel a need to. I carried some babies, and then I was like, 'Then? 'So what?' Was I supposed to have an epiphany of sorts? I cannot be bothered. I have zero interest in babies, toddlers and children, and am even less enthusiastic about anything to do with children. A dog is a dog. I have slightly more interest in one. To be very honest, I'm not totally at ease with the responsibilities required to care for a dog, but I'll live. I guess this is uhhh... aging? Settling down? Ha! I think a pie chart illustrates these responsibilities nicely.