I Always Wanted a Dog
COVID continues to change my life professionally and personally. My travel journeys are nonexistent at this time. So staying at home during a pandemic gives me plenty of time to reflect on things I want or always wanted in my life. I never wanted a dog — for many years I did not have the time to appropriately take care of a pet. Well, times have definitely changed. I am officially a fur mom. This Baby Boomer and puppy, T’Challa, are ready for the world. The puppy and I actually have a few things in common that we will discuss later.
An Untapped Market
Pet ownership is a big responsibility at any age. Taking in a puppy for the first time at 58 years old is an exciting experience. What I didn’t know was that Boomers are one of the fastest-growing markets of pet owners. Who knew that I am not alone? According to Pet Food Processing, pet ownership among aging generations are on the rise. The article states, “The Baby Boomer generation specifically saw increased dog ownership by 4%. An estimated 1.4 million Boomers own puppies younger than one-year-old. Approximately 5.2 million are expected to own dogs between the ages of one and three, according to Packaged Facts.”
The same article goes on to say, “Households headed by Boomers account for 33% of all households and 40% of aggregate expenditures on pets ($34.4 billion).” Not only are Baby Boomers loving their fur babies, but they are spending money on their pets, too. This Baby Boomer and puppy is possibly an untapped market.
Puppy Love
I picked up my Standard Poodle puppy at eight weeks of age. My doggy is adorable chocolate with white markings on the paws. It is a male, and his name is T’Challa, and he has a sweet disposition and is also a ball of energy. A two-month-old puppy is like raising a newborn. Getting up at 2 am for a potty break is no fun but a necessary evil in this journey. The experience definitely reminds me why babies are for young folks. Despite the demands of a new fur baby, I love him to pieces. There is nothing like puppy love.
I am already researching hotels that are pet friendly, so when travel opens up again, T’Challa and I are ready to go. Although my fur baby will be a great travel companion, he brings me joy. His presence in my life has great benefits to my mental and physical health. Here are a few gifts I get from having my puppy.
Benefits of Pet Ownership
Having a puppy is good for my mental health and physical health. To stay in shape, I love to take walks every day. Now, I have another reason to walk because the dog requires daily walks. As an empty nester, the house is tranquil. T’Challa is an excellent company and companionship. I get to play and talk with him throughout the day. He’s a great listener even though he doesn’t understand a word I am saying. T’Challa helps to relieve my stress.
They are called man’s best friend for a reason. Dogs are great companions and social facilitators. Whenever I take the dog out in public, he is like a magnet. Because he is so cute, people gravitate towards us. Of course, he gets all of the attention and soaks up the love.
Things in Common
T’Challa is a baby, and I’m a mature lady. However, this Baby Boomer and her puppy also have a few things in common. He likes to take naps, and so do I. Puppy loves a belly rub or massage. I love a good massage, too. Also, he takes many potty breaks, and at my age, I need plenty of bathroom breaks, too. T’Challa runs around and expends his energy until all he can do is lie down and close his eyes. Believe me, I’m right there with him. It’s the perfect arrangement for this Baby Boomer and her puppy.
Conclusion
During the year 2020, I have seen and heard of much illness, death, and sadness. I have my own health issue of breast cancer. My best friend recently suffered and died from small cell lung cancer. Friends and family members became ill with COVID and other illnesses. On the day I received news of my best friend’s death, I sat on my couch and wept. Who curled up next to me to comfort me? It was my puppy love, T’Challa. He cuddled for as long as I sat there wiping my tears. I knew then that he was a keeper.
I look forward to many years of unconditionally loving and caring for my fur baby. He’s going to be a well-traveled puppy, too. We will hop in the car and take some road trips together. A Baby Boomer and puppy will have much fun and exciting stories to tell.
Additional Resources
Pet Marketers Might Want to focus more on Baby Boomers
Five Reasons a Dog Can Be a Boomers Best Friend
