I’m so excited to welcome Claire from Seek + Scout this week! Not only is she an amazing photographer (check out her Instagram) and writer, she has also become a good friend of mine. I reached out to her awhile ago after sensing our similarities and I’m so glad I did! She’s so real and refreshing to talk to…totally that cool clever person you’ve been waiting for. So without further ado…
Name/Occupation: Claire // Journalist + Blogger + Adventure Seeker
Dog’s name/Age/Breed: Daisy // 4 // English Shepherd
What made you decide to get a dog? I grew up with cats, dogs, bunnies, and hamsters. My childhood was spent outdoors playing with them, and I honestly felt–scratch that, feel–more comfortable with animals than people. When I graduated from college I decided I was at a good place in life to be responsible for a dog. My boyfriend Charlie was about to leave for three months for work, and I’d never lived alone. The timing was perfect. I knew I wanted a smart, dedicated dog that would be a constant companion, so I began searching Petfinder.com daily for any sort of herding dog.
Tell me about the first time you met your dog. Daisy was the first dog I saw on Petfinder that I actually called to inquire about. I almost didn’t do it, but I couldn’t get her adorable face and expressive eyebrows out of my head. That same day we made the two hour drive (yes, that’s how sure I was) from Santa Clara to Modesto, CA to see her. The entire drive Charlie was trying to prepare me for the worst. She might not be a good fit, he said. We walked into the room to see her and sat on the floor. She was bashful, but so sweet. She immediately walked up and laid down beside us for some belly rubs. Needless to say, we took her home that night.
What are your favorite characteristics about your dog? The lady who rescued Daisy told me she was found under a bridge with a litter of puppies. She wasn’t even a year old. From Day 1, Daisy would not leave my side. She would even cry if I shut the door when I went to the bathroom. She was so grateful to finally have someone to care for her that she didn’t want to let me out of her sight. Her complete devotion resulted in this amazing bond between us and an ability for her to understand me in a way that I never expected. She knows when I’m anxious or stressed, preparing to leave, or asking her to “wait” so I can catch up when she’s off leash. Her sensitivity and intuition when it comes to people is definitely my favorite thing about her. Oh, and the fact that she loves going to parties. The more people, the better.
What’s the last thing your dog did that made you laugh? The other day at the office (I work at a very small local newspaper) we were having a hectic day trying to get things wrapped up for that week’s issue. Our individual offices open up to a hallway where Daisy likes to lay so she can keep an eye on her “flock.” It was that point in the day when we were all ready to go home, but there was still work to be done. All of sudden we start hearing these funny noises coming from the hallway. Daisy is intensely barking and twitching in her sleep like she’s chasing a squirrel. We all cracked up. She does that a lot–reminds us that work doesn’t have to be so serious.
Are you anything like your dog? Remarkably so. My friends joke that Daisy is my other half that I didn’t know I was missing. Like me, she is sensitive, jumps a foot in the air at loud noises, and loves avocados. She enjoys hiking and being active, but also has no problem with staying in bed binge watching Friends all day.
What does being a “dog person” mean to you? I think that people who love dogs embrace the simplicity with which a dog lives its life. I believe that dog people understand that at the end of the day, surrounding yourself with people you love, spending time outdoors, eating good food, and sleeping in a comfy bed are the essentials for a good life. Humans, well, we tend to complicate the process.
What’s one piece of advice you would tell someone looking to get a dog? Do it; it will change your life for the better. But be prepared to put in work on your end. Daisy’s devotion started out as a severe case of separation anxiety, which took time and patience to deal with. You can’t expect your dog to be perfect. They are flawed just like us.
Thanks Claire! For more, you can visit her blog and follow her adventures on Instagram.