Why it makes good business sense to have a dog

When I first met my wife, she’d always been keen to get a dog. My family had always had one and I’d always enjoyed their company. Apart from their incessant barking, I’d liked having one. Though, I’d never have called myself a dog person.

When I eventually relented and we got ourselves a Pug cross French Bulldog (with a bit of Boston terrier thrown in), Pepper immediately became a part of our family. Once she was no longer a puppy it became clear that she needed some exercise, otherwise she’d become a complete pain in the backside. This resulted in a daily walk for myself and the dog.

At first, I saw it as a bit of a nuisance. She’d be dragging me along most of the way (she’s strong for 9kg) and she’d bark at other dogs we met along the path. As it became a part of my every day, I began to appreciate the walks. I found it as a great way to clear my mind, wind down and not stress about the projects I was currently working on. It reminds me of those moments when you go to bed and have a thought about something that’d been bugging you for days. It gave my brain some time to process all that information from the day, resulting in some great ideas.

The other thing that I found to be beneficial has been getting out of the house, stretching the legs and doing a bit of exercise. Being couped up in an office, barely taking 2000 steps for the day and eating three meals can’t be healthy. At least I wouldn’t feel so guilty about it if I could take Pepper out around the block. I’ve found doing a bit of exercise (I also take my bike out a few times a week) has helped get a better night’s rest.

These days I’m taking Pepper out along with my 8-month-old baby. I don’t know how much having a baby has helped with work, or financially for that matter, but it’s meant my hands are full and my phone is left in my pocket – leaving me plenty of time to think.