Diary Entry: Sunday, 12/31/2023
Weather: Clear, 50F / 10C
Dear my future self,
It's the end of 2023, and there are many things to be grateful for this year. In May 2023, I adopted a dog named Copper from Animal Lighthouse Rescue - he's a 2 year old Golden Retriever (19%), Rottweiler (17%), Chow Chow (15%), and Poodle (12%) mix.
He lived on the streets for two years in Puerto Rico before coming here to New York, and he's incredibly smart. He knows to steal my food when I'm in the bathroom with the door closed. When the door is open, he knows not to try that.
He can also jump over a 38" inch pet gate which I spent $50 on that's now useless. It makes sense though, since he probably stole food living out in the streets, and had to do it in secret since humans would yell at him. Copper still gets incredibly excited during mealtimes - as if he hasn't eaten in days.
How do I tell him that he doesn't have to worry about food anymore?
This year, I also fostered 22 kittens and hope to do more next year. Copper took 4 months to fully house-train and that took away some energy from foster kittens. I also didn't know how he would live with Jade, but they figured out how to co-exist. Maybe next year there will be more progress.
Right now they sleep together in the same room as me - Copper does not have bed privileges and likely never will - dogs are just way too dirty compared to cats and I'm not sure I can tolerate that in my bed knowing how dirty the streets of New York City are.
But either way - this dream has been two years in the making since Sept 2021 - having your own apartment, dog, cat, and a rotating of foster kittens. It really is the best of all worlds and looking forward to continue this into next year.
Here's to hoping WFH continues into 2024 so I can continue to enjoy this experience. Be seeing you!
- Your Past Self
Music Credit: WWE and CFO$