Dog Mom in Training!

For months now, all I've been thinking about is getting a job, a dog, and my own place! These are the three things that I'm most excited for as a soon-to-be college graduate, I absolutely can't wait!

 This is in my dream world of course, but things are definitely falling into place! I will be completing an internship this summer at a wonderful wedding company in Greensboro! So exciting! More to come on this for sure!

There is one area that I think I'm definitely making progress on...a dog! I knew that if I planned on living by myself this was definitely something I wanted to invest in. A dog would serve as both a companion and a means of security for someone just getting out on their own. Though I won't be leaving the nest just yet, I still feel like it's the perfect time to invest in a dog because I have my family to help me train, take care of, & financially support a dog. Also, I don't have many friends that I've kept in touch with from high school, so I plan on investing all of my time in the dog and my internship.

There are so many times that I've sat in my apartment wishing I had a dog to enjoy and play with. I feel like there is no better time than now to take the plunge! It's not just something that I've decided in a day though. As I sit at work typing this post, I know that with a dog someone would have to be home to take the dog out to the bathroom or go for a walk, thoughts that are constantly on my mind. If I had a dog, what would it be doing at this moment? How will I accommodate its needs along with meeting mine? How can I give it the best life possible?

I had originally planned on adopting a dog from a local shelter, and though this is still an option, I'm realizing more and more how important it is to have a dog from the time it's a puppy. About a year ago, I fell in love with the Goldendoodle, the cross of a Standard Poodle and Golden Retriever. After doing a lot of research on the breed, temperament, everything, I am head over heels...or should I say paws:)

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My boyfriend's family also has a Goldendoodle named Harlee and she is precious!

The only problem, these dogs run about $2,500 on average! This is where I am now. I know that I have so much support in getting a dog and am ready for the responsibility, but how do you foot that kind of bill as a college grad? When I find out, I'll let you know! In the meantime, I have thoroughly enjoyed asking all of my friends about their dogs and every aspect of their lives, along with reading Life With Addison, a blog about a Goldendoodle and her family!

I would love any advice you have about being a new dog owner, especially about Goldendoodles!