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I Let My Life Go To The Dogs And Found Joy In The Process

walking dogs for a living, dog sitting on human

By //  by Sharon Devellis 8 Comments

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In the spring of 2016, I read the book The Happiness Equation and to say it changed my life would be an understatement. The message of the book resonated with me deeply, especially when it emphasized doing things that make you happy.

But before I write about that let’s go back to April 25th 2001. At the time I lived in Ontario and my mom lived in Manitoba, she had made plans to retire at 60 and was going to move to be closer to my sister and I and our families. April 25th is the day she died, 4 ½ months before her 60th birthday. At the time I was 10 weeks pregnant with my eldest son who she would never meet.

Since then I’ve thought often about the fragility of life and how quickly it can be gone.

For nine years I had an incredibly satisfying career that allowed me to be creative, make an impact, work with talented, driven, kind women, and still be at home with my kids. It was incredibly challenging and fulfilling, but over the past year I began to have a niggling feeling at the back of my mind, was it still bringing me happiness?

walking dogs for a living, dog sitting on human

After reading The Happiness Equation I spent a lot of time thinking about what brings me joy. Mostly it’s the simple things. Writing, being creative, working out, being with friends and family, and even something like driving my older son to school every day or playing a never-ending game of tag with my younger son, one that’s been going on for a year. However, there aren’t many jobs to be found that include playing tag or driving my son to school. 

But one thing kept popping into my head time and time again. No matter what mood I was in when I left the house, I was always in a good mood when I came back from walking my dog. There is something about the simplicity of being outside and active that always makes me happy.

So the idea was born: Become a dog walker.

However, life is never that simple. Decisions like this aren’t always black and white. There were many, many things about my current job that I loved, including people that I worked with. Could I walk away from that?

It took me months of contemplation that included sleepless nights, tears, and, some very difficult conversations. 

But ultimately, it was my mom who helped me do this. I’ve lived more years than I will continue to live and I didn’t want to always wonder if it was something I should have done until a day came when the decision was taken away from me. Sometimes you need to make that leap of faith and hope for the best. So I made the transition and now walk dogs for a living.

walking dogs for a living, dogs and snow, labradors

 

Is it scary as shit making a complete life change at this stage of the game? Yep.

Have I lost sleep over it? Yep, that too. When you give up a solid career you also give up a solid salary. We’ve had to make changes in our lives in order to accommodate that.

Do I have regrets? A few. Giving up something you love for something you also love is never easy.

But then I open the door of one of my clients and there is a dog who is so happy to see me he can’t contain himself, and I know that letting my life go to the dogs was the right choice.

Until the next life change comes along.

 

 

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Filed Under: Books & Movies, Health & Wellness, Living, Tips & Advice Tagged With: becoming a dog walker, being true to yourself, books that change your life, how to walk dogs for a living, money isn't everything, seeking your happiness, The Happiness Equation, walking dogs for a living

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sandy Allen

    May 1, 2017 at 2:47 pm

    I love this Sharon! It was a huge leap of faith, I’m sure, but one that has turned out to be so rewarding by the sound of it. I’m a huge dog lover so, in another life, I could see myself doing what you do. I already went through a huge life change myself, so quite content to stay where I am now but, I do love your choice. Sorry about your mom. That is far too young. I lost my mum 7 months ago. She was 83 though. I try to keep that in mind, that she lived a good long life but, it’s always hard to lose our mum’s, no matter their age.

    Reply
  2. Sharon Devellis

    May 1, 2017 at 3:57 pm

    It was a huge leap of faith, Sandy. But sometimes we need to take the risk and hope for the best. I’m so sorry about your mom. It’s never easy no matter what age.

    Reply
  3. peady

    May 1, 2017 at 6:25 pm

    This is truly wonderful.

    Talk about walking the talk!

    Bravo!

    Reply
    • Sharon Devellis

      May 1, 2017 at 8:25 pm

      Yes, Even in the rain 🙂

      Reply
      • peady

        May 1, 2017 at 9:39 pm

        That’s a commitment! 😀

        Reply
  4. Melissa Yarascavitch

    May 1, 2017 at 10:24 pm

    Sharon! I’m in the middle of the same journey! I have never been happier since I started walking dogs, I’m so much more productive and joyful, and CALM. Even in the frigid weather. I like the person I am now a lot better too.

    Reply
  5. Become a Dog Walker

    March 28, 2018 at 1:58 am

    My wife went through much of the same feelings last year, but her decision was a little easier since she didn’t really love her job to begin with. It’s tough being an entrepreneur and jumping into the unknown like that, so it’s awesome that you were able to go through with it. How are things now, a couple of years later?

    Reply
  6. To Be a Dog Walker

    August 28, 2019 at 8:17 am

    Thank you for your story, this is really fascinating!
    I think people who decide to become dog walkers are the most loyal and it’s really wonderful!

    Reply

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