Having a dog has changed my life
I always dreamt of getting a puppy. But neither work nor digs would ever support such an idea. As a hospital doctor working erratic shifts, the closest I got to animal companionship was cats — or shall I say, they got close to me. Cats are wonderfully independent creatures, but let's be honest: they tolerate you. A dog, on the other hand, genuinely thinks you're the best thing since sliced bratwurst.
Now that I'm freelancing, things have changed. I work from home, the crazy shift hours are gone, and the thought of a puppy resurfaced with a vengeance. It was getting too tempting.
So guess what — I got myself a little Schnauzer.
And yes, Atlas has made quite a difference in my life. I'm not talking about the over-excited greetings or the mysteriously disappearing socks (I now buy them in bulk). I'm talking about my entire daily routine. The morning walks in the park refresh my mind and prime the brain cells for the translation work ahead. No more need for an alarm clock — I get woken up by persistent door-scratching, which is less shrill than a phone alarm but just as non-negotiable. Needless to say, my days of sleeping in are over. Come rain, come shine, we go out together to greet the day.
Because I am now permanently "with dog", I meet new people all the time. Strangers — mostly other dog owners — have a remarkably low threshold for chatting to me. When walking Atlas through town, it's not unusual for tourists to stop me and show me photos of their own Miniature Schnauzers, praising the personality of this breed as though we've formed an instant club. I suppose it's a bit like having a baby: you suddenly become more approachable. Except this baby has a beard and occasionally barks at pigeons.
During working hours, Atlas finds himself a cosy corner in the office, curls up in a ball and snoozes. And I can focus on my translations — well, most of the time. Every now and then, a toy lands on my keyboard. I've learned to interpret this as his way of saying "take a break." He may have a point.
Why a Miniature Schnauzer is the perfect freelancer's companion
Having a dog as a freelancer isn't just about companionship — the health benefits are surprisingly well-documented. And the Miniature Schnauzer, it turns out, is something of an ideal breed for the home-office lifestyle. Here's why:
No hairy mess
Thanks to their double coat, Miniature Schnauzers shed very little hair — ideal for anyone who doesn't fancy hoovering before every video call. They're also a recommended breed for people with asthma and allergies.
Morning sunlight boost
Those early walks get you into daylight before your first coffee. Morning sun exposure kickstarts melatonin production at night (hello, better sleep) and keeps your Vitamin D levels topped up — something we desk workers chronically neglect.
Perfect for apartment living
The Miniature Schnauzer is an ideal breed for apartment-dwellers. They're compact, adaptable, and perfectly happy in smaller spaces — provided they get their daily exercise. Don't be fooled by the size: these are terriers with energy to burn.
Built-in exercise programme
A 30-minute walk with your dog, at least three times a week, can reduce blood pressure, boost your energy, improve your mood, and lower your weight by up to 5%. Your gym membership never stood a chance.
Heart health on four legs
Dog owners who suffer a heart attack are 22% more likely to survive the following year compared to non-dog-owners. A 2017 study also showed that dog ownership is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in single-person households.
Your personal anti-stress coach
Physical contact with your dog triggers feelings of calm and well-being while lowering your heart rate. Forget expensive mindfulness apps — your relaxation class has never been so close, so warm, or so bearded.
A boost to self-esteem
There's something deeply rewarding about caring for a living creature who depends on you. Schnauzers are quick learners, too, so your training efforts are rewarded fast. Nothing quite like the proud feeling of a dog who finally sits on command — at least when he feels like it.
Instant social life
Dog walking turns strangers into acquaintances and acquaintances into friends. Conversations happen more spontaneously, the smiling comes more naturally, and if you work alone from home, a sociable Schnauzer is the ultimate icebreaker.
A companion for all stages of life
The benefits extend well beyond the freelancing bubble. For older people, a dog's presence helps counteract depression and loneliness, especially when contact with family and friends begins to thin out. Dog therapy is increasingly recommended for those living with mental health conditions, autism, or Alzheimer's disease — and let's not forget the extraordinary work guide dogs do for people with disabilities or visual impairment.
Even children benefit: growing up with a dog reduces the likelihood of developing allergies and asthma, and studies show that children between five and eight who have a dog at home spend an average of three more weeks in school per year than those without.
References
Mubanga M, Byberg L, Nowak C, et al. Dog ownership and the risk of cardiovascular disease and death – a nationwide cohort study. Scientific Reports. 2017;7:15821. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-16118-6