“Home Alone” – And Happy About It

July 6, 2009 -

Remember when you were a teenager, doodling on your notebook and merrily daydreaming about all of your future plans? I used to picture my posh adult life: I'd be well off; married to a nice, handsome man (hello, Joey Lawrence!) and I'd be the CEO of my own business...yep, I had the vision seared into my mind down to the smallest details.Yet there was one thing I was sure would not be part of my future: a dog.

While many people are brought up with a lovable four-legged family member, my family was different. Both of my parents grew up with a plethora of pets - birds, dogs, lizards, you name it! But while my adventure-seeking father embraced these creatures, my neat-as-a-pin mother was not as ecstatic. Animals, to her, equaled a mess. Particularly bothersome was her sister's insistence on having the majority of their furry brood sleep in the bed she shared with my mother - whether or not they had been bathed in, say, the past six months.It was enough to drive any neat freak nuts!

Based on my mom's disgruntled animal-owning experience, my siblings and I spent our formative years deprived of a dog but with an unusual love for Lysol. However, my sister in particular remained discontent (arguably as a direct result of watching Toto in The Wizard of Oz), and so after literally years of begging for dog, my father finally gave in and we had a little Cairn Terrier named Frisco join our family.

While you may think all was bliss from then on, it just wasn't the case.While my mom had conceded to getting Frisco, she sure wasn't about to let him take over her perfectly presentable pad.Inside the house, Frisco was only allowed to stay in our basement - although we did get to hold him upstairs on his birthday. It was a situation that proved to be less than ideal for both Frisco and our family when I started developing severe allergies to him. With tears in my eyes and daggers for me in my sister's, we eventually made the decision to give him to a close family friend who also had a Cairn. It was hard not to feel like a failiure at that point - it was like we were the students who flunked out of puppy parenting class.I was certain that I'd never own a dog again, although I had loved the little guy.

Fast forward about ten years later and there I was, having just graduated college and spending the summer in Phoenix with my (still pet-less) family. I have no idea why but during this time I got the itch to get a dog again - and remarkably had little trouble convincing my parents that this was a good idea. Within a week we had a hypoallergenic Silky Terrier named Cody bounding around the house and, much to everyone's surprise, winning the affection of my mom. Though I had to leave to go to law school in California that fall, I looked forward to every break so I could go home and see my little golden-furred buddy - oh, and my family too!

While my parents moved to Minnesota a few years later and Cody became permanent familial unit, I decided to head out on my own back to Phoenix (seriously, who can take 20 below winters?!) to begin a new phase of my career. Luckily I was able to move into my parents' condo and everything seemed to be working out perfectly - except that I was embarking on this adventure alone.That's when Charlie entered the picture.

At my dad's suggestion, I got a little Yorkie puppy as my new cross-country companion.With Charlie weighing in at an entire four pounds, he was too cute for words - and for the many shirts, collars and bandanas I tried on him.  At times I admit I caught myself becoming the small dog owner cliche - although I never put him in my purse because that would be over the top. He was the perfect roommate - never letting dishes pile up in the sink, always allowing me control over the remote and keeping alert to any suspicious noises around the house.Living "alone" was the best decision I'd ever made!

Thinking about it now, I'm amazed that I've once again stepped into the role of Pet Parent - but I couldn't be more pleased. As for Charlie - the boy's got it made. He even sleeps in my bed...my mother would be horrified!

If you're thinking about adding a new addition to your family, be sure to check out PetSmart's adoption events. Learn about upcoming events in your area and find tons of products for new Pet Parents at PetSmart.com.You might even find a cute purse - er, carrier - for your little one. I won't tell.