Originally posted on 12/24/2019 (reformatted).

As young lawyers, sometimes it is hard to recognize when we are stretched too thin. In our profession, we often feel the need to commit ourselves to unrealistic expectations. We often talk about work-life balance; however, that typically means we have to give up something we would much rather do for something we need to do at work. With that in mind, we often rationalize not being able to take something on in our personal life because of this work-life wall we put up instead. 

Ever since I was in kindergarten, I dreamt of having a pet; unfortunately, I came from a household that did not allow dogs. Needless to say – this made me want a dog only more. When I moved out on my own at age 18, I kept on saying to myself, “I want a dog.” This went on through undergrad, grad school, and law school; however, I never let that dream become a reality. I had always rationalized this by saying there was no time for a pet. Fast forward three years, I was still saying the same thing, but I knew if, at some point, if I didn’t actualize my dream, I would always push off having a dog. Well, Super Bowl Sunday 2019 came around, and that means the Puppy Bowl was on Animal Planet. This led me down the path of going on Petfinder – and it was that day where I found my first dog, Yogi, a 5-year-old Chihuahua with a lot of personality. 

My work requirements didn’t lessen, in fact, they have expanded since adopting Yogi, but I learned that co-workers will understand when you say you need to go home to feed him or spend time with him. Sure, I will still work a bit more when I am home; however, it is with a lovable pup sprawled across my lap. Balance looks different for everyone, and, for me, adopting Yogi was a positive step in realizing how to achieve that balance.

(Author unknown).