Opportunity and Responsibility

I know, horrible form. Still a very awesome photo. 

I just got the job of my dreams -- I hope! Today I quit at Marzetti (my temp contactor job). I hated it - it was boring, it was tedious, and even when I did have work to do, it just seemed pointless. Dealing with the numbers, data and paperwork going along with designing new sauces, flavors, and whatever else, just didn't click for me. I was honest with my boss that I didn't enjoy the work of an administrative assistant, but I left today feeling awkward all around. How do you deal with a position that "everyone was nice," but you end up hating everything about it? The environment just isn't right for you? But anyway, the new job! I'll be working as a groom at a Ryan Wood's event barn that's wintering in Aiken, SC. I move right after Christmas. I accepted the job Monday and finally heard back confirming the offer and housing. I'll be feeding, mucking, grooming, exercising, all the things horse! The job has one caveat - the housing didn't allow pets. Could someone watch my dog?

Bug is good at "sad."  Bug is also good at mud.

Crushing as this was, I still accepted and plan to keep Bug at my parents' for the 3 month term of the winter grooming position (I'm hoping to continue work when everyone moves up to PA, but we'll see if everything goes well.) But why is it so aggravating to have job offers/housing situations that don't allow dogs? I've only had Bug a year, and she's "bad," why can't I just rehome her or leave her with a friend?

Responsibility.

Pet ownership isn't just for fun, for those days at the park throwing tennis balls and running in the grass. It's also walks at 2am because that's when there's no other dogs or people around because your dog gets scared; it's taking a smaller/more expensive/whatever apartment because no one trusts that your dog won't destroy anything...

I feel responsible for Bug, it's my job to ensure her safety and happiness -- I don't think she does well at my parents' because she doesn't like their dog. It's stressful for everyone and she spends all her time in a crate when she's not outdoors. I hate that, it doesn't seem fair to her. On top of her, I'll also have to leave my cats and the big "Cat," my horse, Hellcat. All just adding to the burden my parents are taking on so I can have this opportunity. I hope I can make the most of it.

This is the opportunity I've been waiting for and I'm banking on being able to fit Bug in very soon. She's a "bad" dog, it's not that I couldn't give her to someone if I thought she'd be better off, but I just can't find somewhere that she'll do well (or a person putting up with her) and not getting more stressed, reactive, and "bad." I also feel that it's my responsibility to deal with her bad habits, her food/vet bills, etc. I hate that my parents are taking on a responsibility - time, commitment, money (love, too!) that should be mine.

So after this Christmas, my mom and I will pack the Subie and leave Ohio, my boyfriend, and now my Bug as I go off on a new adventure, hopefully finding a way to bring the things I love with me soon.

Keep an eye on this blog, hopefully I'll find time to update everyone and maybe drag out the dSLR once in a while.