"Should I raise a dog...?"

This year, I am thirty-nine. Single.

I thought I was used to living alone, but it seems there is a small void within that familiarity.

I don't necessarily want to call it 'loneliness,' but I definitely think it would be nice to have a being to share my breath with.

Then the thought of a Golden Retriever came to mind.

In fact, this breed has been in my mind for a long time.

Good-looking, gentle eyes, and above all, a deeply loyal personality.

As widely known as guide dogs, aren't they friends who come with a built-in trust and love for people?

Imagining waking up with such a creature and being greeted at the door with a wagging tail after work warms my heart.

When going for a walk, we would walk in step with each other, and sometimes it would just gaze at my face and gently place its paw on me... those scenes.

Just imagining it makes me feel good.

But reality is not simple.

Due to my job requiring frequent business trips, I find it hard to commit to taking care of a life.

I know that raising someone is not just about 'being together' but 'being there for them'...

It's not something I can start lightly.

However, a few days ago.

I stumbled upon a post while browsing Craigslist.

"Looking for someone to adopt a Golden Retriever.
4-week-old male, vaccinations completed, has a microchip.
Adoption fee is $400."

At that moment, my heart raced a little faster.
The pup in the picture was really cute. Still small and young, but its eyes were already clear and trustworthy.
As if it had been waiting for me...

But back to reality. Looking at my out-of-state business trip schedule, I muttered to myself.
"Not yet... not yet..."

That doesn't mean my heart has turned away.
As these moments repeat a few times, there will come a time when I truly feel "It's okay now".
When that time comes, I want to bring one home without hesitation.

That friend, the Golden Retriever, who warms my heart just by hearing its name.
If we end up together later,
I hope I can read this post again and smile.