How to live with a dog- if you've had a traumatic experience with one or never lived with one.

I know the title is kind of a mouthful but there is no other way to word it that perfectly shares this story. Anyway, hi my name is Angel (as if you don't know) and I'm currently living with a dog amid my dog trauma (will share one day) and my "never before lived with a dog" situation. 

It all started when ASUU (bless their sweet soul) decided to go get their cheques and me being me, I was more than happy for them. In my opinion, they've worked hard for their money and should be paid in full! 

My excitement for them however was cut short because as a student in her finals, I had to stay back in school for my project practicals. I was pissed because everyone that I knew (some of whom kept me sane on school grounds) had packed their bags and were out the door. It was just me and Chelsea until she left, then it was just me.

At that point, I had had it up to the brim of the cup. So I decided on the whim, project practicals or not, I am getting out of this hell-hole. I wasn't the only one who wanted me gone though because the hostel supervisors were like pack up your stuff and leave! This is me officially thanking them for making that decision easy. 

I know what you're thinking. How does this correlate with living with a dog? Are you even living with a dog?? Is this a click bait??? I thought you were pretty responsible?? How can you do such a thing? 

Well, I know we live in a world were we think we all have certificates of law from Harvard because we've read some books and quickly throw around "rules and regulations" but before you judge me, sit your 'less an 8 seconds attention span' butt down and read till the end! I am getting there (and if maybe it is a click bait, so be it. I couldn't be bothered [that's a lie. I am] please keep reading 😩).

Anyways, I picked up my phone, called my mum and in full details, explained to her why I wanted to get out and where I wanted to go. She made the call to have me there and in a few minutes, she called me back to let me know that my aunt had agreed and about a slight problem.

Me: "Emm what?"

My mum: "She said she has a dog, Angel. Can you really stay there?"

Me: Ehn? Jesus.. "Emm why did she get a dog?" Ah, what's all this na?

My mum: "She said it's a puppy. Let me ask her to send me a picture."

Me: "Sure.. I think I can live with it since you said it's a puppy."

Boy, I lied!

My mum sent me a picture and he looked big in this picture but the thought of staying back in this school or going back home and having to spend more money coming back had me making up my mind pretty fast. I was going to do it. I was going to live in asaba with a dog.

5 hours later (actually more than that because peace MT is mad) the next day, I was in front of my aunt's gate, my luggage being taken care of by this swindler of a Keke man and my aunt by my side. I greeted her in the usual African fashion and carried my stuff as we walked to her flat. 

She walked to her door with nonchalant confidence and opened it slightly then turned to me and said "I have a dog oo.. hope say your mama tell you," I smiled and said I know (LOL). She opened the door people of God and almost immediately, this freaking beast, I mean puppy jumped out. I screamed that short but very fearful scream and rushed out of her flat while covering my fear up with a stupid laugh. I pleaded with her to hold him which she did begrudgingly. She kept yelling "How will you stay for how long you need to when you're so scared of the dog? I won't be carrying him like this oo or putting him on chains because he is a house dog! It's a puppy, e no dey bite.." and other very annoying things.

Now back to reason you're reading this. How am I LIVING with this dog and how can you too.

1. DONT RUN FROM THEM.

Apparently, they think you are playing with them when you're just hiding from them so they chase you like their lives depend on it so don't ever run else you'll break things when you're trying to take cover and no one wants that.

2. TRY EXERTING FEAR IN THEM. 

Now listen before you call animal control, I haven't done anything extreme. My aunt disciplines him (whatever that means) and she has this cane that does the trick. Now I don't like this mode of living because I am not a violent person but ehh anything to keep it away from me. Besides, she suggested it and it's working to an extent.

3. PRAY AND HOPE FOR THE BEST.

The scary thing is Casper (the dog) is still coming to me. Usually, I tell him to sit and he does but now, because I have never used the cane on him he doesn't listen and dives towards me. There's no day I don't pray for him to stay on his own or give myself the pep talk before stepping out of my room. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. So just pray and hope guys.

Even with these tips, I haven't started living well with him (I mean I still run when I see it and it chases me with vigour) so it's not really full proof but it does work (to an extent). Hopefully, I don't die of a panic attack or a heart attack before I leave.

 

PS- I know what y'all, especially those who follow me on Instagram are probably thinking "but you post a lot of dog/animal content on your story"... Well, I actually have nothing to say to that except a dog is cute only when he is in front of the camera, not when he's sleeping directly in front of your door or chasing you✨

Good night.

Comment, Like and Share.