Updated: May 29, 2020
Originally Published: May 24, 2020
As mid-March rolled around and Los Angeles prepared for the impending safer-at-home order, I turned off the news and suggested to my partner, Alex, that we consider adopting another dog. This was a topic we’d discussed multiple times over the years, but I had always hesitated to take the plunge. With one dog, two cats, and two young kids squeezed into our compact home, we were already at capacity, managing a multitude of responsibilities.
“I’d love to have another dog when we have more time,” I had often said. It seemed ironic that suddenly, we found ourselves with an abundance of time.
Animal rescue organizations often showcase their pets with charming photos and detailed personality profiles. “Great on a leash, enjoys treats of salmon (a sprinkle of lemon, hold the pepper), and perhaps a fan of reality TV,” they would say. In contrast, shelters usually provide minimal information: just a couple of images, the dog’s sex, and perhaps a brief description, like, “Here’s a dog. Interested?”
At that moment, shelters had closed to in-person visits but were still facilitating adoptions. You could browse online, pay upfront, and receive your new pet through a back door. It became a welcome distraction from the pandemic’s uncertainties, and soon we discovered a one-year-old, 28-pound mixed breed that appeared to be smiling with joy in her stretched photo. The thought of bringing her home filled me with anticipation.
However, excitement can often lead to rash decisions.
We named our new arrival Daisy, and although we tried to present this moment as a joyous occasion to our kids, the nagging feeling of potential regret lingered. On day one, it became evident that Daisy was not the dog we had envisioned. Instead of the lovable Beagle we had imagined, we were faced with what seemed to be a Husky-German Shepherd mix—a rambunctious, biting tornado of energy who was far from the 28 pounds advertised.
While we were adjusting to remote work and managing childcare, Daisy burst into our lives with relentless enthusiasm, showing no appreciation for the chaos she added. Did she overwhelm our more docile dog with her hyperactive antics? Absolutely. Were our cats now targets for her playful pursuits? Yes. Had my three-year-old son become a playmate for her roughhousing? To some extent, yes, although he seemed to enjoy it.
I took Daisy on daily walks, fed her, and endured her frequent play biting. While her nips didn’t always break skin, they often felt more aggressive than playful. She bit when seeking attention, when hungry, and even when she was corrected or startled by movement.
As days went by, Alex and I questioned our impulsive decision, muttering to each other, “What were we thinking?” with a few extra expletives.
Reflecting on it now, we knew what we were getting into. Upon my initial call to the shelter, I learned that Daisy had been returned previously for biting. Her last owner had only lasted eleven days before deeming her “uncontrollable” due to her aggressive tendencies.
In our eagerness to adopt a companion during quarantine, we overlooked these red flags. We had convinced ourselves that her behavior was typical for a spirited puppy and that the previous owner could not manage her. However, the reality was far more challenging. With our lives already stretched thin due to work and family obligations, we had taken on an uncontrollable dog.
Fast forward a month, and Daisy remains part of our family. We redirected our childcare budget towards virtual training sessions and have installed numerous baby gates to ensure a semblance of order. Daisy’s biting has decreased by about 40%, which is still significant, but she is also showing her affectionate and clever side, sometimes even catching herself before her instincts take over.
I realize many would have chosen not to keep a dog like Daisy, but I find myself deeply invested in this project—transforming her into the great companion I believe she can become. It’s a challenging journey, yet I’m learning how skewed our expectations can be. I once laughed at the thought of packing my office for a short stint of remote work, but now I wish I had brought back more than just a few essentials.
Recently, my therapist suggested that perhaps Daisy wasn’t the best fit for our current life, hinting at choices I was avoiding. She was correct; I made a choice to stop seeing that therapist.
I wish for reassurance from the future that this tumultuous chapter will conclude with a happy ending. I dream of the day when our pets coexist harmoniously, and we can reminisce about the chaotic early days of Daisy’s arrival. As we navigate the unknowns of life, we all yearn for the reassurance that despite uncontrollable forces entering our lives, we can find a way forward—albeit a challenging one.
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Summary
The story chronicles the challenges of adopting a hyperactive dog named Daisy during quarantine. Initially filled with excitement, the author soon realizes the difficulties of managing an uncontrollable pet amidst existing family responsibilities. With training and patience, there’s hope for a positive outcome, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life during these times.