Durango has proven to be one of the best places to live for dogs and dog owners alike. With relaxed dog laws and plenty of spacious outdoor areas to frolic with your beloved fur-baby, it becomes increasingly difficult to resist adoption.
I went back and forth on whether I was responsible enough for a dog. At times, I yearned for a running buddy - a fuzzy friend to cuddle when boys are mean. And in other times, I thought about how I could barely keep my hair brushed and how I forgot to pay my internet bill this month. “Could I take care of a dog, like really take care of something that needed some serious tender love and care?”
College students have a lot on their plate. Being ripped into adulthood is rough. Having to call your mom to ask how to cook rice one day, but the next day you're setting up your own dentist appointment and feeling like you are actually twenty-four can feel pretty strange. Sometimes we get a bad rep but that doesn’t mean we’re unable to provide a great forever-home for a rescue animal.
My dog, Shella, has changed my life in ways I did not anticipate. She makes me excited to start my day and to get outside and enjoy life a couple hours earlier than I normally would. She licks my tears when I’m sad and helps with my anxiety when I’m feeling wound up. Mornings are never bad when you’re woken up with an excited pooch that wants to be by your side.
“Age-ism” is a real thing when dealing with dog adoption. People think we are not grown up enough to balance school, work, and dog ownership. The truth I have found is that young adults are the perfect demographic for having a dog. We do not work a 9-5 job. Most of us do not have a family we need to take care of. We are active, and living in Durango makes it easy to take your dog camping for a long weekend, or run up a mountain in the afternoon.
The feeling of displacement and uncertainty of a place to call home resonates not only within young adults but also within dogs who have no home. The comfort found within each other creates a unique and undying bond, filled with devotion and understanding that there’s nothing the other has to endure alone. It empowers one another, perpetuating a relationship founded on love while conquering fears of the unknown – together.
For the young human, it is a constant reminder to work harder, play harder, and to love harder. And for the furry companion, it is a constant reminder that the hardships are over, and being a good dog will come easy. Inspiration is found in each others eyes, creating a harmonious and flourishing relationship.
Don’t get me wrong, it takes serious devotion owning a dog. But this devotion becomes so effortless as you and your dogs emotional bond strengthens. If you have the time and dedication to raise a well-behaved dog (and the big yard and approval from landlord!), then do some research and self reflection to see if you have the lifestyle needed to care for an animal.
There is nothing more rewarding than rescuing a dog. Knowing you have found a better home for your fur-baby will bring never ending warmth to your heart and an excited wagging tail each and every time you come home.