Should I Rent A Dog??

Yesterday’s blog was about depression. Now we are going to explore ways of combating said depression.

One sure way is to get a dog. Dogs are a lot of fun but they are also a lot of work; thereby taking up the time you used to spend fretting and worrying. Of course now you have something new to worry about … dogs require a lot of care; hence vet bills, food, upkeep, etc. However, the rewards come in licks to the face, a furry lap robe, someone on the other side of the bed, and grateful generosity. They are a lot of company.

Now, I have three cats and I love them. They are company when they choose to be. There are times you could come to my house and think I have no cats at all … they like to hide. Sometimes when I am reading or watching TV, I can look around and not a cat is to be found. No so with a dog – they will always be where you are (unless of course they don’t feel well or they are being disciplined). Dogs have a very human-like personality.

I heard once that independent personality people are cat people and dependent personality people are dog people. That may be true because the older and less independent I’ve become, the more I have yearned for a dog. I was seriously considering one about a year ago but my landlord put a stop to that dream – no dogs.

Now, I have a grand-dog and I love her dearly. She is allowed to visit at my house, and even stay but I always hate to see her leave. She is generous with kisses and affection and she lets you know every minute that “she is there” … PAY ATTENTION TO ME!!

I am having weight-reduction surgery in a few months. One of the requirements is to start an exercise program. I’ve been very lax about that. I heard on the radio yesterday that people with dogs on the average get more exercise that people who join the gym. You know, a dog cannot be ignored like that dusty gym membership.

My next thought would be to “rent a dog”. I know friends who have dogs that they don’t have enough time to walk (is there ever enough time, according to the dog?) so I could probably find a dog to amble along the river with. What is wrong with this picture? The problem would be that I would grow so attached to the dog that I would be even more depressed when I had to take it back to it’s rightful home. Therefore, renting a dog is not a good idea for someone like me.

For right now, I am stuck dog-less so I guess I’ll have to explore other methods of getting my exercise. I could put one of my cat’s on a leash but they all three hate the outside. I would have to rename them cigarette and take them out for a drag!!