Wait—what?
That headline might have made you pause. But here’s the truth: before we can rescue a dog, we often need to rescue ourselves.
As someone who serves on the Board of Directors for the SPCA Serving Erie County and more than 25,000+ hour field experience, I’ve learned this lesson firsthand. The dogs waiting for adoption don’t just need a roof, food, or even training—they need stability, patience, and love. And those qualities start with us.
Think about it:
Are you rushing from one commitment to another without time to breathe?
Are you planning a big life change—moving, welcoming a baby, or shifting careers?
Are you carrying the weight of personal challenges, heartbreak, or stress?
If you answered yes to any of those and are considering a dog, here are two simple ways you can shift the dynamic right now and grow personally before you bring that new dog home:
1. Create a “practice pause.”
Set aside 10–15 minutes every day where you unplug, slow down, and simply be present. That practice of stillness not only grounds you but also mirrors the calm leadership dogs crave.
2. Build micro-routines.
Choose one small, repeatable task—like a morning walk around the block, or shutting your phone off during dinner—and commit to it. These tiny acts of consistency teach you how to create the structure a rescue dog needs to feel secure.
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Rescue yourself before you rescue the dog.
When you do, everything changes. That busy schedule slows into mindful walks. That chaotic move becomes an organized adjustment for both you and your pup. That hurt from the past begins to heal alongside the unconditional love of a rescue dog.
The most powerful bonds are born when two souls grow stronger together—human and canine alike.
So, if you’re thinking about adoption or bringing home a new puppy, start with self-care. Build your own stability. Because when you’re ready, you’ll not only change a dog’s life… you’ll transform your own.
~Myles DogBeGreat
