Why “It’s Only a Dog” Really Misses the Point

I’ve heard those words more than once over the years. And every time I hear them, I think the person saying them has probably never shared their life with a dog the way many of us have.

Because to those of us who love our dogs, they’re never only dogs.

They’re family. And many women over 60 will agree.

Our dogs know us. They know when we’re happy and when we’re worried. They know when we’re not feeling well. They recognize the sound of our car before we ever walk through the door. And, somehow, they always know when dinner is five minutes late.

My dogs spend their days with me when I’m working at home. Whether I’m reviewing contracts in the afternoon or answering emails early in the morning, they’re usually nearby.

If I’m sick, they’re beside me. If I go for a walk, I have company. When I come home, they’re there waiting for me.

Some people may not understand that kind of connection.

Dog people do.

My Dogs Actually Changed My Real Estate Business

Years ago, when I was looking for a condo, I learned firsthand just how strange – and frustrating – pet restrictions can be.

One condo on the ocean allowed one dog weighing up to 60 pounds.

I had two small dogs with a combined weight of only 16 pounds.

They weren’t allowed.

It made absolutely no sense to me. But the rules weren’t based on the combined weight of the dogs. The community permitted one dog, and I had two.

That experience opened my eyes to something that would eventually become an important part of my real estate business.

Pet restrictions aren’t always as simple as they appear.

Over the years, I’ve found incorrect pet information in listings. I’ve spoken with people who didn’t know their own community’s rules. I’ve seen restrictions involving the number of pets, weight limits and breeds. And sometimes what you’re initially told isn’t what the governing documents actually say.

That’s why I learned a long time ago: when a buyer has pets, verify the rules before falling in love with the house.

Finding a Home Means Finding a Home for All of You

When I’m helping someone with pets buy a home, I’m not only looking at bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and square footage.

I need to know whether their pets can live there, too.

Because what good is finding the “perfect” house if an important member of your family can’t move in with you?

Fortunately, there are many pet-friendly homes, gated communities, 55+ communities and condominiums that will accept your pets.

But every community is different.

Some limit the number of pets. Some have weight restrictions. Others may have breed restrictions or additional rules you wouldn’t necessarily know about from reading a real estate listing.

And rules can change.

That’s why I don’t like to rely solely on what’s written in the MLS when it comes to something this important. I research the pet restrictions and review the applicable sections of the community documents, so my buyers can make an informed decision.

Because It’s Never “Only a Dog”

My dogs have been beside me through good days, difficult days and plenty of ordinary days in between.

They make me laugh. They keep me company. They know my routines probably better than I do.

So no, to me, it’s never only a dog.

Pets are family.

And if you’re looking for a pet-friendly home in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach area, I’d be happy to help you find a home where your whole family is welcome.

Before you fall in love with a home, let’s make sure your pets can fall in love with it, too. 

Let’s Have a Conversation:

How do you feel when you hear the phrase, “It’s only a dog”? Are your pets part of the family? If you’d like to have a conversation, let’s talk about it!