When I Become a Crazy Dog Lady, Like You . . .

Teaching in a small town affords me the luxury of interacting with my students outside of the classroom. One of my students lives in my neighborhood. She cannot have a dog because her mom has allergies. So, she became a dog walker.

Even if she is not walking my friends’ dogs, she will walk with me so that I look a little less crazy with my five dogs. It is nice to have the time with the dogs to learn more about what it is really like to be an eighth grader at Treasure Mountain Junior High School.

After watching Parsons Dance Company at the Eccles Center last night, she started a sentence with, “When I become a crazy dog lady, like you . . .”

It was said with love, compassion and warmth. It was not an indictment.

I laughed.

She continued, “Really. I’ll be crazy like you. I won’t have a hundred like hoarders. I’ll be like you.”

“It is okay to be crazy as long as your crazy does not impact anyone else,” I explained.

“I won’t have hundreds of dogs and live in a stinky house,” she continued. “You do it right. All of your animals are loved, well fed, and walked.”

Thinking about my five dogs, I said, “Five is a lot. When you rescue, it has to be sustainable. You have to be able to provide high quality food, attention, love and veterinary care.”

Having five dogs in my home is a challenge. It does take a lot of effort and time to ensure that they are safe, healthy and loved.

I’ll just keep being the “Crazy Dog Lady.”