Oliver and Wookie are just plain cute, which is a really good thing because they are a handful. A color-coordinated set, they stay on “high alert” most of the time. Of course, they rarely jump over the couch anymore, so maybe they’ve slowed down a tiny bit. They’re majestic little gremlins with fur. What most people don’t know is that our adorable duo doesn’t just steal hearts—they also rob bank accounts with the enthusiasm of two fuzzy Bonnie and Clydes.
In the beginning, high-maintenance Oliver lived with me, and high-maintenance Wookie lived with HHH. These dogs helped us through some very lonely times as we grieved. They were the best cuddlers and listeners we could’ve asked for. Oliver was loyal to the max unless he was on a toad hunt or eating the sprinklers and plastic solar lighting.
Wookie did her best to make HHH smile while she did the same. Yes. Wookie smiles at the right times and with purpose. In doing so, she makes the world a better place. She also races around the yard in a state of pure elation while Oliver barks at her heels. The two were meant for each other, just like their doggie parents.
Neither HHH nor I meant to own a high-maintenance dog. We both started with our own little furball. Marriage blended our families, and apparently, we enjoy chaos as we managed to double it.
Now we live with a small circus act that requires gourmet kibble, monthly spa appointments, and emotional support at frequent visits to puppy camp that make us both look like their pets.
Don’t forget dog food. These two have preferences. One refuses to eat unless she feels like it. The other eats so quickly, we use a puzzle bowl to keep him from throwing up after dinner. Combine the cost of kibble, fresh cheese, greenies, and other snacks, and it adds up.
They both have coats that grow faster than the weeds at Winterpast. So it’s off to the groomer every eight weeks, where appointments cost about $80/dog. They come back smelling like lavender angels… for approximately 3 hours before one of them rolls in the yard like a freshly shaved heathen.
They see the vet more than I see my doctor. One has dental issues. The other was neutered last year. “Would you like pain meds for Wookie? That will be $20 a pill, please.” Between check-ups and vaccines we basically fund a wing of the vet clinic.
Toys that are destroyed in under 4 minutes? Check. Don’t forget puppy camp. Going on vacation? Ollie and Wookie prefer their five-star staycations with their best friend Michelle.
Despite the hair on our clothes, the cheese disappearing from the fridge, and the never-ending doggy drama, these two high-maintenance weirdos are our little loves. They make us laugh daily, force us outside when we’d rather wallow, and greet us like rockstars even when just returning from the mailbox.
They’ve emptied the bank account, yes—but they’ve filled our lives in a way no amount of money could. (Although if either of them ever wants to get a job, I’m open to it.)
So to anyone considering one—or two—high-maintenance dogs: be prepared. You’re not just getting pets. You’re getting two furry dependents with emotional baggage and the life style of spoiled celebrities. In exchange, you’ll get unconditional love, warm noses on cold nights, and a life that’s messier, louder, and infinitely more joyful.
Just start a savings account first……
