The worst moments in my dog ownership, a “tell all”

I think I’m a good dog owner. I’m definitely invested in my heeler’s wellbeing (to a degree some people would call excessive). I’ve gone out of my way to learn many different things. I’m confident that, on the average, Scout and I are both fulfilled and happy in our shared life.

But it has not been a seamless journey. Tucked between the love and laughter and triumph have been moments of tears, and shame, and a bit of self loathing.

I don’t mean to dwell unproductively on these things. Of course my relationship with Scout is built on far more than single bad experiences! But I do think there’s value in reflecting. For one, it helps me be realistic about what we’ve struggled with and where we can continue to improve. For another, there’s a chance our blunders might encourage another dog-owner team out there—provide comfort that while we obviously don’t want to make a habit of bad moments, mistakes are inevitable (and not the immediate end of the world).

So here’s a sort of “dog ownership t…