Learning to Stand Alone
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By
Elli Z. Georgiadou
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Learning to Stand Alone
Where the Journey Begins
🐾 Am I Ready to Be a Dog’s Guardian?
In my family, we always had dogs. My mom and dad both loved them—and my mom also adored cats. I always imagined having a dog of my own one day, but when it finally happened, it came in the most unexpected way.
My brother found her. She had followed him home one day, probably because his friend was eating a meat sandwich. That little dog—Fouska, we named her (which means “bubble” in Greek)—came into our lives like a spark of light. The moment I saw her, I fell in love with her sweet little face.
I had no idea what it meant to be responsible for another life. The good moments, the hard ones. But I did it. And I’d do it all over again.
She passed away in July 2021. I miss her every single day. I remember her like it was yesterday.
Losing her felt like losing my best friend, my child, a piece of myself.
💭 But What If You’re Not Ready?
Lately, I’ve been thinking about a deeper question—one I wish more people would ask:
What if you cannot change yourself? What if it takes time, and you're not in a place to be good for a dog—even if you really want one?
What if you're afraid that you can't offer what a dog needs—that safe space, that consistent love? What do you do then?
These aren’t selfish questions. They’re the most caring ones. Because wanting a dog isn't enough—being ready for a dog means something more. It means showing up as their guide, their safety, their constant in a world that’s always changing.
🌿 Becoming a Guardian, Not an Owner
First, let’s shift something important:
I don’t like the word “owner.” It sounds cold, like possession. Guardian is a word that feels better. Warmer. More respectful.
A guardian doesn’t just keep a dog. A guardian protects, guides, and honors the life they’re responsible for.
So what does that take?
🌱 1. Start with Self-Awareness, Not Shame
It’s okay to realize you’re not ready. That’s not failure. That’s wisdom.
Dogs don’t need perfection—but they do need stability. If you’re still working on building that for yourself, take your time. That’s not a "no forever"—just a "not yet."
If you already have a dog and feel unready, you can still get help, grow alongside them, and keep showing up in small, meaningful ways.
I had to learn so much about myself just to understand my dog.
Fouska mirrored parts of my own character—my fears, my joys, my tension, my calm. She taught me to slow down. To listen.
Like a wolf teaches its pup how to live, we teach our dogs what life with us will be. They join our world—and we shape theirs.
💛 3. What If You Can’t Offer Enough?
If you’re scared you can’t give your dog what they need, ask yourself:
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Can I provide food, walks, vet care, and time each day?
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Can I offer emotional stability—even if I’m still healing?
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Can I afford to create a safe environment?
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Will I commit to being their guardian for life?
If the answer is "not yet," you’re not a bad person. You're just being kind.
🐾 4. Ways to Be Part of a Dog’s Life (Without Adopting Yet)
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🦴 Volunteer at a shelter
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🐾 Foster short-term when you feel strong enough
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🐶 Pet sit for friends
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📚 Learn about dogs now, so you’re ready later
You can still love animals deeply without rushing into adoption. You can still be someone who makes the world better for them.
📚 Helpful References & Kind Resources
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Victoria Stilwell – positively.com: Positive training methods and great beginner videos.
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Turid Rugaas – On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals
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Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution (YouTube): Friendly, beginner-friendly tips.
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Fear Free Happy Homes – fearfreehappyhomes.com: Focus on animal emotional well-being.
🌼 Final Thoughts from the Heart
Wanting to love a dog is beautiful.
But loving a dog enough to wait until you're ready? That’s even more beautiful.
And if you already have one, and you’re still learning? That’s okay too. Just keep showing up.
Because as I said in my journal one day:
“What kind of guide do you want to be?”
Start there. Choose love. Choose gentleness. Be their safe place.
—
If this spoke to you, you’re not alone. Maybe you're not just learning how to care for a dog—you’re also learning how to care for yourself. And both of those things matter deeply.
🕊️
-With Elli-
Soft Words That Stayed
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