Having a dog is awesome

This isn’t really climbing or adventure related (or maybe it is, kind of?) but I am bored of studying, wish I was playing outside, and am really just procrastinating by reflecting on how awesome my dog is.

On second thought, having a dog really is an adventure:

It’s waking up at 4am when they are puppies, so you can take them for walks in -20 degree snow storms. It’s getting out to the electronics store regularly, because they’ve chewed yet another computer cord. Or the endless hours running back and forth between wherever you are, and your dog, just to attend to their needs.

Having a dog will have you wanting to rip your hair out when your perfect puppy suddenly decides that “come” is no longer an applicable command; because squirrels and bikes are far more interesting than you are. At the same time though, you’ll be ecstatic when they pick up a new trick (even if they sometimes still run away).

Having a dog is the heartache you get when you realize that your puppy is sick and needs you, but you can’t be home 24/7. It’s the joy you get before you even open the door, because you know your dog will be right there to greet you. Or the comfort of having her snuggle up to you while you’re caught up in an endless writing regime.

Freedom and I snuggling up on a study break. We're also training her to associate the Thundershirt to positive situations in hopes of getting over some anxiousness issues. — Freedom and I snuggling up on a study break. We’re also training her to associate the Thundershirt to positive situations in hopes of getting over some anxiousness issues.

Really, puppy life isn’t so different from rock climbing or adventuring. Or so different from life in general….

Having a puppy is about troubleshooting the problem, just as you would when you’re stuck in a particular spot on a climb; it’s understanding that techniques one person uses, won’t always work for you.

And it’s the joy you get when you make even the tiniest progressions (Six months ago, I couldn’t walk Freedom on garbage day because she was terrified of the bins -she’s still a nervous nelly, but it’s like night and day difference).

That’s also how I feel about this boulder problem I’ve been working on- getting stoked on making one more move, even though there are 13 to link together. Yet, a couple months ago I sucked balls at dynamic moves and V5 seemed years beyond me… I also feel that way about this exam tomorrow. Intro to Genetics should be called: Instant Geneticist instead, then maybe we’d all realize what we’re getting ourselves into.

We be chillin' in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada. I swear it was a 5.5 slab climb to get up here, so yah, my dog is a rock climber too. — We be chillin’ in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada. I swear it was a 5.5 slab climb to get up here, so yah, my dog is a rock climber too.

Raising a dog is hard work; it requires diligence, patience, and maintaining a calm attitude even when things are going totally wrong. It’s a nuisance to fit into your life, and people will always balk at the way you’re handling the situation. You’ll turn down a lot of jobs and social gatherings for your dog too; because your dog becomes your life.

Funny thing: all of that kind of sounds identical to my climbing life.

But, having someone who will always come hiking with me, no matter what the weather is like or how crazy a destination seems, is awesome. Knowing that I have to stay calm while climbing- because my dog can sense my fear, and I’d rather not put her through that- is super helpful. And the places I find, the people I meet, and the lessons I am constantly learning, are all pretty rad too.

This is my dog's reaction when I take a 25ft whipper, and stop a foot above the ground. So scary. — This is my dog’s reaction when I take a 25ft whipper, and stop a foot above the ground. So scary.

Having a dog is a big responsibility. But that responsibility is yourself and your best friend. Which really, is quite an awesome life to invest in if you ask me. And really, so is any life that you truly love and are honestly passionate for.

Sometimes my free-spirited, happy-sided self, can drive people mental. My only secret is doing what I love no matter what people tell me (like not getting a dog, or going to school instead of learning to rock climb first). I might make it seem easy, but it’s not easy in the slightest bit. Believe me.

Living the life I love is simply worth the pain and frustration. And that’s because I am honest with myself and what makes me happy.

THAT’s why I can stay happy all the time. And THAT’s why things seem easier than I make them appear. Because I love what I do- even school, even when it’s bogging me down from my adventurous life, is pretty awesome.

Having a dog is awesome because you get a new perspective for life, and you learn that challenges, are either met and overcome, or the situation only worsens; avoidance only works for so long, but smiling always helps, and your dog will be your bestest friend no matter what!

Anyways, this has been fun, but back to studying she goes. MUST ACE THIS EXAM (very unlikely, but one can dream and hope and try her best).