Adopting Balance

A Year Ago, I Adopted Balance

Funny story. I bought my house in 2022 and vowed to get a dog. A whole year later, I was traveling constantly, overwhelmed by work, and sidelined from working out due to a rotator cuff injury. One day, I saw a post on Instagram featuring adorable Chihuahua puppies up for adoption. There were two of them, and the Humane Society operated on a first-come, first-served basis. I was convinced I’d be first in line, but two people arrived ahead of me. As I waited, hoping one of them might change their mind, I watched both puppies leave with their new families.

But something told me I was meant to rescue a dog that day. So, I asked the staff, "Do you have any other small dogs?"

They led me to the back, where only eight dogs were up for adoption at any given time. Two had already found homes, leaving six. One of them was an 8-month-old puppy whose adult size was uncertain since her breed mix was unknown. She was adorable but seemed big, and I worried about managing a dog that might grow even larger.

Then, the staff mentioned another dog: a two-year-old Border Collie named Josie Mae. My heart skipped a beat. Years ago, I’d had a Border Collie in college. When I moved to San Francisco for school, I couldn’t bring her with me. She went to live with my parents on their cattle ranch and had the time of her life, but the memory of leaving her behind still lingered.

Josie Mae’s owner had passed away, and she was scared and confused to be in the shelter. When they brought her out to meet me, she ran straight to me, peed on the floor in excitement, then dropped into my lap, flipped onto her back, and looked up at me with her sweet brown eyes. She had me at “belly rub.”

I texted my partner, who was home sick, with a photo of Josie and the message, “There’s been a change in plans.” His reply? “🤣😜🤞”

An hour later, Josie Mae was in my car, heading to her new home.

What I didn’t know then was that Josie Mae wasn’t just being rescued—she was rescuing me.

At the time, my business consumed my life. I had recently moved and was juggling my interior design business from a remote location while also launching a coaching business for designers. I was diving in headfirst and barely coming up for air. I went into business for myself to create work-life balance, but instead, I found myself working 12-16 hour days. While I was cooking my own meals, I was sacrificing exercise, sunshine, socializing (except with my partner), and any semblance of true balance.

Then, this furry fluff of boundless energy and high anxiety entered my life. Border Collies are known for their extreme loyalty and need for activity—their DNA wired for a relationship with one human and a flock of sheep. Josie Mae needed long walks, socializing, and space to run. Turns out, I needed those things, too.

Her Gotcha Day was a year ago, and since then, everything has changed. My step count is awesome. I’ve discovered trails and lakes near my home where I spend hours hiking while Josie chases birds, explores grassy hills, and just gets to be a dog. She’s an excellent car companion, and together, we’ve created a rhythm that prioritizes wellness, connection, and play.

Josie Mae taught me how to slow down, set boundaries, and focus on what truly matters. She’s reminded me to be creative, playful, and loving while making time for the things that bring joy.

I adopted balance a year ago. She’s 40 pounds of pure love, and her name is Josie Mae.