As I sit here trying to compose my thoughts, I can feel those big, round eyes boring into my soul. My chihuahua, Honey, is curled up on the couch next to me, her tiny body tense with anticipation. She knows I’m about to embark on another writing session, and she’s not happy about it.
You see, being a writer is challenging enough. We face writer’s block, imposter syndrome, and the constant pressure to produce engaging content. But throw a chihuahua into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for adorable chaos.
Don’t get me wrong – I love Honey more than words can express. She’s my loyal companion, my confidant, and the cutest little bundle of joy I’ve ever laid eyes on – if you asked my wife, she’d say I’m a little obsessed with Honey… okay, a lot obsessed. But when it comes to my writing career, well, let’s just say Honey is not exactly supportive.
The Needy Nature of Chihuahuas
For those unfamiliar with the breed, chihuahuas are known for their big personalities packed into tiny bodies. They’re fiercely loyal, incredibly loving, and, let’s face it, more than a little needy. Honey is no exception. She thrives on attention and believes that every waking moment should be devoted to her.
This neediness becomes glaringly apparent when I sit down with my laptop to write. As soon as I flip it open, Honey’s ears perk up – ears that could easily pick up radio signals (I love them). It’s as if she has a sixth sense for detecting when I’m about to focus on something other than her. The transformation from peaceful pup to attention-seeking missile is instantaneous.
The Vocal Protest
First comes the whining. It starts as a soft, almost inaudible whimper. If I ignore it (which I often try to do), it gradually increases in volume and urgency. Honey has an impressive range of vocalizations, each more heart-wrenching than the last. From high-pitched yips to low, guttural growls, she pulls out all the stops in her attempts to distract me.
I’ve often wondered if Honey thinks she’s helping. Perhaps she believes she’s providing a soundtrack to my writing process. Or maybe she’s trying to dictate her own story, one bark at a time. Whatever her motivation, the result is the same – my concentration shattered into a million tiny pieces.
The Physical Intervention
When the vocal protests fail to produce the desired result (namely, me abandoning my work to lavish attention on her), Honey moves on to more direct methods. This usually involves her positioning herself strategically between me and my laptop, or striking adorable poses in an attempt to entice me to play.
At first, it’s cute. She’ll nestle herself in the crook of my arm, her warm little body a comforting presence as I type. But don’t be fooled – this is just phase one of her master plan.
As I continue to write, seemingly oblivious to her charms, Honey ups the ante. She begins to paw at my hands, her tiny nails clicking against the keys. It’s as if she’s trying to join in, adding her own unique flair to my prose. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to delete a string of gibberish courtesy of my four-legged co-author.
The Playful Biting
If all else fails, Honey resorts to her secret weapon: the playful bite. Now, before you worry, these aren’t aggressive bites. They’re more like gentle nibbles, her way of saying, “Hey, remember me? Your adorable, loving chihuahua who deserves ALL your attention?”
She targets my fingers as they dance across the keyboard, her tiny teeth grazing my skin. It’s simultaneously endearing and infuriating. How can something so cute be so disruptive? It’s hard to be too mad though, look at that face.
The Internal Struggle
As a writer, I’m constantly torn between my love for my craft and my love for Honey. On one hand, I have self-imposed deadlines to meet, ideas to flesh out, and stories to tell. On the other hand, I have this adorable little creature who just wants to be loved and cuddled.
The guilt is real. Every time I shoo Honey away or try to ignore her pleas for attention, I feel like the world’s worst pet parent. Those big, soulful eyes have a way of making you feel like you’re committing a cardinal sin by focusing on anything other than them.
But here’s the thing – I need to write. It’s not just my job; it’s my passion. And as much as I adore Honey, I can’t let her neediness derail my career.
Finding Balance
AS I write and learn, learn and write, I’ve developed strategies to balance my writing life with my role as a chihuahua parent. It hasn’t been easy, and I’m still fine-tuning the process, but here are some techniques that have helped:
- Scheduled Play Times: Before I start writing, I make sure to give Honey some quality attention. We play fetch with one of her many chewy toys: Mr, Hippo; Mr. Fox (her favorite); Mrs. Bunny (the list goes on). Or we go for a quick walk, which is good exercise anyway for both my Honey and her big sister, Mia, our boxer-pit mix. This helps tire Honey out and fulfill her need for attention… at least for a little while.
- Creating a Cozy Space: I usually type on my laptop in the den, on a cozy little couch, where Honey can curl up while I work. Sometimes, just being close to me is enough to keep her content.
- Short, Frequent Breaks: Instead of writing for hours on end, I now take short breaks every hour or so to give Honey some attention. It’s good for both of us – I get to rest my eyes and stretch, and she gets her fix of love.
4. Night Writing also helps. When deadlines loom, I sometimes resort to writing late at night when honey is asleep. It’s not ideal for my sleep schedule, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Funny part is, she still wanders out from under the warm covers of our bed as soon as she realizes I am gone, but she usually just curls up next to me when it’s late, so it still works.
The Unexpected Benefits
While Honey’s neediness can be challenging, I’ve come to realize that it’s not without its benefits. Here are a few unexpected ways my chihuahua has actually improved my writing:
- Forced Breaks: Those interruptions, annoying as they can be, force me to step away from my work regularly. This prevents burnout and often gives me a fresh perspective when I return to writing.
- Stress Relief: There’s something incredibly soothing about petting a dog. When I’m stuck on a particularly tricky passage, taking a few minutes to cuddle with Honey often helps clear my mind.
- Character Inspiration: Honey’s big personality and expressive face can be a huge inspiration! Especially for adorable characters for my children’s books.
- Improved Time Management: Knowing that I have a needy chihuahua waiting for me has made me more efficient with my writing time. I’ve learned to make the most of the quiet moments and to write more concisely.
- A Reminder of What’s Important: In the grand scheme of things, Honey reminds me that there’s more to life than work. Her unconditional love and zest for life help me maintain a healthy perspective.
Embracing the Chaos
At the end of the day, I wouldn’t trade my life as a writer and chihuahua owner for anything. Yes, it’s challenging. Yes, there are days when I want to tear my hair out in frustration. But there are also moments of pure joy, like when Honey curls up in my lap as I read over my day’s work, or when she gives me that look of utter adoration after I’ve finally closed my laptop for the day.
Writing with a chihuahua is an exercise in patience, multitasking, and love. It’s taught me to be more flexible, more efficient, and more appreciative of the little moments. Honey may not understand the importance of my work, but she understands the importance of play, of affection, and of living in the moment – all valuable lessons for any writer.
So, to all my fellow writers out there who are also chihuahua parents, I salute you. We’re in this together, navigating the delicate balance between creativity and canine companionship. And to those considering adding a chihuahua to their writing life – or your life in general – I say go for it – just be prepared for a wild, wonderful, and slightly chaotic ride. I mean, the health benefits alone are worth it – they will keep you active!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear the pitter-patter of tiny paws heading my way. It seems Honey has decided it’s time for her next writing intervention. And you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way.