Choosing the Right Dog – How I Finally Came Home to Yorkshire Terriers

After my first dog Puszek, there was a long time in my life without any dog at all. I got married, had my children and life became busy and full in many other ways. But somewhere in the back of my mind there was always a quiet dream – those tiny paws, that proud little head and silky coat of a Yorkshire Terrier. I knew this was the breed I loved, even before I actually lived with one. Choosing the right dog – Yorkshire Terrier cuddling with owner

When the time finally came to bring a dog into our family, we did what many people do – we followed our hearts, not our heads. Without really thinking it through, we bought a Cocker Spaniel. She was a lovely dog, but I quickly realised that her needs and energy were not the best match for our family and for me personally. It was not her fault; it was our choice that was not fully thought through.

Later, when our financial situation improved, I decided to follow my old dream and bought a small Yorkie from a random breeder. His name was Ivo and he stole my heart completely. For the first time I felt that this was my breed – the size, the character, the way he stayed close to me and watched everything with those bright eyes. Life with him felt natural and right.

And then life changed again. We had to move to the UK. It was a difficult time and, with many practical problems, we made the painful decision to leave both dogs in the care of family, with the hope that we would bring them over later. Time passed, plans changed and, in the end, it did not happen. I still feel a deep ache in my heart when I think about Ivo. I did not cry for the Cocker Spaniel in the same way, but I grieved for my little Yorkie for a very long time.

Looking back, I know that some of our decisions were made too quickly and without enough thought. Life can be a roulette – sometimes you simply do your best with the information and situation you have at that moment. Looking back, I know that choosing the right dog would have saved us and our dogs a lot of heartbreak. But the lesson stayed with me: choosing the right dog for your life, your home and your heart is incredibly important.

Today I live in Scunthorpe with six colourful Yorkshire Terriers. People sometimes ask me why I have so many Yorkies. Part of the answer is simple: this is the breed that truly feels like home to me. The other part is quieter – I think, in a way, I am giving happiness to each of them because I still carry Ivo in my heart. I cannot change the past, but I can make sure that every Yorkie who lives with me now is loved, understood and truly wanted for who they are.

If you are thinking about getting a dog, I hope my story encourages you to take your time, to really think about your lifestyle, your future plans and the kind of dog that will fit into your world. The right dog can change your life in the best way. The wrong choice, even made with love, can be painful for both humans and animals. For me, it took a Cocker Spaniel, a Yorkie I had to leave behind and many years of learning before I finally came home to the colourful Yorkshire Terriers who now share my life.

You can also read my story about my first childhood dog here.