Which is more rewarding for the unattached dog lover: Dating or Dog Sitting?
In this article, Sydney Pet Sitter Odette McCarthy compares the two!
The other day I Googled ‘dogs and dates’. The first line I read was: “Dates should be shared sparingly, maybe one or two at a time periodically.”
I thought that was oddly optimised for Google, until I read the subsequent sentence, which also suited my initial intentions. “Too many dates can cause digestive upset.” Well, they sure can!
So if you’re interested in dating, what should you be looking for at this time in your life? Will Dog Sitting help you find what you’ve been endlessly searching for? Which would be the perfect partner you have been pining for – pooch or person?
“Swipe left, sister. He’s not worth your time.”
Let’s go through a few scenarios and analyse whether a dog or a date would be a better choice.
Dog sitting v dating: Sharing food
Sharing can prove a difficult task with both a dating partner and dog. In this regard, I consider both of them more like sly snack snatching snakes, rather than soulmate or sidekick.
And if you refuse to share, it’s hard to know who would be more offended. A partner may be more vocal about it, but a pooch may incessantly tap-tap-taperoo at you or give you literal puppy dog eyes.
At the end of the day, there are many types of food that’s toxic to dogs, so you’re actually doing the right thing by not sharing with them.
In this case, it’s better to dog sit than share your food with someone you’re dating.
Dog sitting v dating: Being your authentic self
One major plus on the pooch side is that they will never allow for an awkward moment. Unnatural banter and dastardly dates will be a thing of the past. In fact, doggos hold no judgements against you. You can wear what you like, get a crazy hairdo, watch whatever shows you like – all without being concerned what your other half will think. Unlike dating, dogs makes no judgements based on looks. They’ll be more impressed with the fact that you, this incredible human being, are spending time with them!
If you’re late or postpone a date, your dog doesn’t get hung up… They only worry about how long it takes ’til you come back to see him. Doggo doesn’t care if you’re shovelling fries into your gob hole alone at 3am; they care only if some chippies might drop so they can join in the enjoyment. Minding a mongrel means not being categorised as ‘strange’ or ‘weird’.
I tend to engage in crazy chat to most people in my life, only a few of whom understand my meaning. You can talk, you can sing, you can be the Shakespeare of this generation to any pup and he will wag his tail just because you have been courteous enough to talk to him. No ‘nutty’ judgement nonsense.
Dog sitting v dating: Unconditional love & affection
Are you the type of person to be swept off your feet by a rose-ravished romantic rendezvous? Or does the thought of amorous activities scare you? Perhaps you can’t cope with the concept of somebody’s creepy, cringe-worthy caress over your clavicle?
With a bow-wow, the only bones you will have to bear are those from your beef brisket. There’s no need to attempt to impress with forced flirtation. You can even choose the amount of silence or sentiment you put into those long walks on the beach (or on your visit to the the dog park). The only thing you may have to deal with is how to help ease your dog’s separation anxiety!
In short, there’s no mind games or faking emotions when it comes to dogs. Their unconditional love and loyalty to you is unmatched! Even if the dog isn’t yours, and you’re just getting paid to pet sit. Dogs adore companionship, so why choose dating over dogs?!
Dog sitting v dating: Cleaning up after them
For which partner are you ready to remove rubbish and riff raff? With either of the pair – be it dog or date – prepare to pick up doodads, mop up their mess, and do the dishes after their meals. Both can be there for you, both attempt to understand you, but who can keep tidier terrain?
I find a dog’s relationship intention is clear and succinct – companionship. In other words, they want to be with you. A partner, by contrast, can be persnickety. They may be after more than just emotional intimacy. There will be more to compromise. Maybe they’re just seeking a maid to manage their muddle, or maybe they just want to meddle with your mind. In whom have you met your major mess making match? Will it be man or will it be mutt?
The choice is clear, right?
Dogs are the clear choice over your next date.
With a dog there will be no muddy water… well, maybe just if you take them on a walk in Winter. But, there’s no denying that a dog will provide unconditional love. Aside from food, shelter, cuddles, and on-demand dog walks, they will expect little in return.
When dating, a partner can be more conditional. There will the more to compromise, in food, in prudence, in romanticism and in clutter-some crib conundrums. In the end, I can’t see anything better in this world than being completely and utterly loved and accepted when just being your true and utter self… amirite?
1 comment
Another reason could be that you don’t have to say anything to the dog you are sitting – just look her in the face !