The A La Carte

Never did I think having four dogs around me could feel… peaceful.

Now, let’s be real — it hasn’t been peaceful the whole time they’ve been together today. But in this moment, I’m sitting on my boyfriend’s couch with my dog, the dog I’m watching, and his two. A whole pack sprawled out, and somehow, it works. I’m really lucky my dog gets along with his.

Earlier today, out at the beach with my boyfriend and “our” two dogs, someone mentioned that getting a dog is kind of like getting an anchor. And I’ve definitely felt that. Sometimes I want to stay out all night, hit a concert, or take off out of town without a second thought. But dogs don’t really work like that.

The thing is, now that I’ve met someone who shares that anchoring — dogs and kiddos — it feels different. He wouldn’t want to move away from his little ones, and honestly, I don’t want to leave the PNW anyway. Sure, I’m not exactly an outdoorswoman (unless you count drinking on shaded patios — because my skin and the sun are NOT friends). But I like it here. The weather is mild, we don’t have wild animals trying to kill us (other than giant, bathtub-sized spiders), and yes, it’s more expensive than a lot of places, but it’s worth it.

And maybe the best part? Being with someone who actually shows up for his kids. In a world where it’s way too easy for dads to be absent, I’ve found one who’s the opposite. That anchor? Turns out, it’s not holding me back. It’s grounding me.

xo,
Ande