Thank You for Pooping - A Dog Walker's Tail

Wiggle butts. Fur babies. Doggos. Four-legged children. No matter what you call them, your pets are an essential part of the family. They deserve everything good in life: treats, belly rubs, kisses, toys, and exercise. 

As a full-time dog walker, I spend my days loving on so many amazing animals - from weeks old puppies whose cuteness can make you squeal, to seniors who just want to bask in the sun and give you kisses for being by their side. Their stories are as varied as their personalities. 

Some of their humans, though… 

I was recently at a client’s home, getting all the info for an upcoming house sitting, and she was showing me around. We got to the bathroom and she said “Don’t mind the little foot stool around the toilet, that’s just my squatty potty. I’ve had terrible intestinal issues my whole life and recently had impacted bowels for the third time. I’ve tried everything to make it easier to shit, and it turns out the squatty potty actually works. You just sit down and put your feet up, and everything comes out. If you want, I can leave it there for you to try.” 

This is exactly why I prefer to work with the furry ones who don’t talk. 

I come home each night exhausted and sore, my own cats sniffing me up and down as if I've cheated on them (they’re quick to forgive once I open a can of Fancy Feast). I go to bed with a heart bursting with love because I get to do it all again the next day. How lucky am I? 

Two Questions to Ask Yourself...

BEFORE you get in the left lane!

1. Is my vehicle physically able to go the speed limit?
2. Am I willing to go as fast as the person behind me? 

If your answer to either of these questions is 'No'...
THEN DO NOT GET IN THE LEFT LANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I realize we're dealing with disturbing new levels of stupidity in this country right now, so here's a little cheat sheet to help you: 

Anniversary

One year ago today, I took back my life. 

When I left my corporate job I intended to take a few months off - to sleep, to travel, to read, to detox from all the stress built up over 16 years. 

As each month passed, I wasn't ready to accept that I would have to go get a job. I had grown accustomed to sleeping in and drinking coffee until 11am. "Getting a job" felt like a death sentence. 

Then, when I unexpectedly met an incredible man in the DR, I knew I wanted the freedom to see where the relationship would go. So I made a new goal - make it until the first of the year, and then work on finding a job. 

But the first of the year came and went, and I was more determined than ever to figure out how to be my own boss. Plus, the number of desk jobs you can do from the beaches of Punta Cana is surprisingly slim. 

So here I am one year later: self employed, learning new things every day, rarely setting my alarm, drinking coffee until whenever I want, and making plans to move to the DR. 

It really is amazing what can happen when you close your eyes and take the leap. 

Adventures in Paradise (Parte Uno)

Since August 2017, I've spent a total of 2 months in the Dominican Republic. To say it's been an adventure is a gross understatement. It's been more like a grand awakening! There are so many incredible things about this island, it will definitely take me a few posts to get through all of my observations and experiences. 

Lesson #1 - leave your uptight American-ness at the door. Life here moves at a very different pace and you need to surrender to it if you're going to enjoy anything. Put your concepts of time, health codes, driving, and bathing suits somewhere for safe keeping - you won't need them here. As a self-diagnosed control freak, I know how difficult it is to take a flying leap out of your comfort zone. But I promise, it will pay off more than you'll ever expect. 

Ok, lets talk about 'time' in the DR. Whatever is shown on a clock, watch, or cell phone is merely a suggestion. If someone says "it will be just a few minutes", that can range from 5 minutes to an hour or two. And believe me, you are powerless to change it. So just sit back, relax, and have a beer (I recommend Presidente, clearly a popular choice in the seaside town of Macao!). 

A great example of something that takes forever? Grocery shopping. (Hang on, I need to make myself a drink to get through this one) 

I don't like to grocery shop, let alone leisurely - I make a list, I go in and get what I need, and I get out. Everything about that sentence is the polar opposite in the DR. People meander in every direction; they stop in the middle of the aisle to talk to an old friend (or a complete stranger) for 20 minutes; they make up their list as they go, inevitably having to back track several times (and are guaranteed to run into several someones they know along the way); they are on the phone yelling at their kid, oblivious to anything else; the cashiers are in ZERO hurry; and most people are trying to explain to the kid bagging their stuff that he needs to fit it all into two bags because they're on their motocicleta. 

I went to the store with my boyfriend the other night and he popped open a beer and started dancing to the muzak, ambling down each aisle. Being unfamiliar with a lot of the brands here, I needed to know which milk he wanted so I could grab it and get out of the way, but he was too busy jamming out and I about lost my shit. But to him, it was the least important thing in the world. And it was a great reminder that I need to chill, and remember that nothing is as critical as enjoying life.