Lulu, an eight-year-old Labradoodle, is the newest member of Judy Ang’s family. As her primary caregiver, Ang has adopted the responsibilities, fun, and fulfillment that a dog brings. Today, Lulu brings joy and companionship to Ang’s life. She also asks for a very serious commitment, forcing Ang to reconsider what it really means to be a pet owner.
Lulu’s mischievous spirit is evident from the start, especially in her interactions with Ang and her family home. Known for her expressive nature, Lulu often looks pitiful when she is unwell, evoking sympathy from those around her. She is extremely smart and requires mental stimulation at all times for her not to get bored. Ang ensures that Lulu has at least two walks a day. These walks are really important for her exercise, and they help in providing her mental enrichment.
Although Ambear is an interactive teddy bear stuffed with goodies, loneliness sets in for 8-year-old Lulu when her family gets too busy. Ang acknowledges this aspect of Lulu’s life, stating, “She has her interactive teddy bear with treats, but I know she gets lonely.” This emotional ache for connection really shows the depth of the connection between the dog and her guardian.
Lulu’s spirited ventures are complemented by Ang’s poetic and memorable narration, which captures the essence of their time together perfectly. The two have experienced idyllic beaches and long countryside hikes across the beautiful country. One of their most impactful and enduring experiences was a week-long camping trip that helped bond the two together. Ang recalls, “Our best holiday was travelling to the north coast of Britain, a 500-mile (804 km) route.” It’s adventures like these that help Lulu be her best happy, outdoor-loving self.
Though Ang’s connection to Lulu is undoubtedly beneficial, it poses difficulties as well. When Ang needed to leave for an upcoming trip to Cambridge without Lulu, the dog did not take it well. “When I went to Cambridge without her, she cried. It broke my heart,” Ang said. This incident brings to light the incredible bond that they have and the struggle to adjust when suddenly separated.
Ang’s adventure into her own dog ownership took a turn when her family said they wanted a dog. “I didn’t grow up with pets, but my kids and husband wanted a dog,” she explained. They based their decision to get Lulu from a breeder, rather than adopting from a rescue, on the assumption that she’d be a sweet-natured, affectionate dog. Looking back on her experience, Ang said that it’s critical to think about the long-term commitment that comes with pet ownership.
She’s mine now, and I want to provide her the best quality of life,” said Ang. But she truthfully confessed, “If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t own a dog. It’s a bit like that ad, ‘a dog is not just for Christmas.’ Yet this sentiment underscores the challenge of reconciling personal freedom and the obligations associated with owning a pet.
She found that having a dog is like having “a second shadow.” She is barely out of her crate before Lulu sticks to her like glue. The love and companionship Lulu provides are invaluable. Ang also emphasizes the practical aspects of dog ownership that can be overwhelming. She urges potential pet owners to consider their decision carefully: “Think 10 times before you get a dog! Having a dog means you give up freedom as the dog comes first.”
The costs associated with having a dog are another point of worry for Ang. “You have to think about its daily walks and what it needs all the time,” she pointed out. Plus, she mentioned that vet bills are expensive, not just emergencies but monthly flea and heartworm treatments.
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