I wish someone had told me more about adopting a dog.

“I wish someone had told me” is a series of posts that feed into our inquisitive nature at CN&CO. Each week we hear from someone in our network about something interesting or surprising that’s recently happened or occurred to them – or lessons they learnt. These blogs are a way to pay it forward and form part of CN&CO’s belief that the world can be a better place – and we all have a responsibility to make it so. This post is by our Blake Dyason.

On 1 August I officially became a dog daddy and I wish someone had told me more about adopting a dog.

Meet Alaska, a 11 month old Husky cross Collie. He is adorable and has a beautiful loving and playful nature. As many of you know, I run, cycle and spend most of my free time in the mountains. My criteria for a dog was, it needs energy, it needs to be able to run and it needs to be smart.

I had seen Alaska before Lockdown on the Sea Point promenade at the Woof Project adoption stand. I tried to play with him but there was no chance as people queued to take him for walks.
Fast forward a few months and lots of thinking, I decided to visit the Woof Project adoption centre and to my surprise Alaska was there waiting for me, well at least it felt like that.

Getting your house dog ready:
I had no warning, I don’t know how I missed this but getting your house dog ready is expensive, I bought toys, collars, leashes, name tag, dog bed, food, treats and did I mention more toys. I thought I was kitted.

24 hours later, I was back at the pet shop, I needed more.
I now have a loyalty card and Alaska gets treats every time we go, does that make me a local already?

Leash vs Harness:
Personally I went and bought a harness, I just felt so bad pulling him on his neck and was always worried that it was too tight or too loose, what if he slips out. The harness has been a win, so much more control and I feel better, except I think it might take some time for Alaska to get used to it.

Puppy training:
This isn’t as easy as they say online. “Just join a puppy training”, No it’s a full time job but I think I am coping.
In 48hours, Alaska could sit, give paw, play fetch unless there’s a distraction, sit in the car and sleep in her own bed. it really is rewarding taking the time to teach and see the behaviour changes.

Energy:
This is mind blowing, Alaska goes from a deep sleep to play time in a split second and it’s almost impossible to prepare for it. Currently we are doing 2 walks and a run every day.

Better planner:
Alaska has quickly made me a better planner, as a bachelor, I have had so much freedom, come and go as I feel and never have to plan too far in advance.
Well suddenly, taking my car for a service, going to the shops and having a conference call all requires planning.

Love:
A dog gets into your heart immediately. I have been reminded that love wins.
We could all be more like dogs, Love lots, play lots, forgive quickly and be loyal.

Adoption:
I have always loved the idea of adopting and every so often I’d take the kids from Malachi Place of Safety to Fallen Angels pet rescue to walk the dogs.
But it was after joining the Sidewalk Special team in De Doorns just past Worcester, that I witnessed the importance of sterilisation and the overwhelming amount of dogs (and cats) in this word. We say dogs tied up, starving and injured. Sidewalk Special has done an amazing job in De Doorns, not only with sterilising thousands of dogs but also education dog owners on how to care for their pets.
In 2017 they estimated that South Africa has around 9.2 million dogs, with an estimate of 23% of dogs end up in shelters and 6% are stray.

If you can, support a sterilisation drive and even better adopt a dog. They really are a mans best friend.