‘My new puppy gets me away from my desk and out into the fresh air’
dailyrecord.co.ukWhen Paul, a digital account manager for a medical tech company, took a new job last year that required him to travel less and work from home more, he knew that getting a puppy would give him a reason to get away from his desk and into the fresh air, regardless of the weather or how busy he is. “Working at home has its benefits, but it can also be quite isolating,” says Paul, 43, who lives near Chelmsford in Essex with his husband Stephen, 44, who works in London. “Often I found I’d get stuck into work, and before I knew it the day had gone.
I’d start the morning with the intention of making time for myself – maybe go out for lunch – and then realise it was 3pm and I hadn’t eaten anything or even stepped away from my desk.” The couple decided the perfect solution to Paul’s predicament was to get a puppy, and last November they brought home an adorably scruffy Jackapoo, whom they named Ned. “One of the perks of having a dog is their routine,” says Paul. “I now get out on twice-daily walks and meet real people rather than just speaking to a computer all day.
As well as being great exercise, taking Ned out really improves my mood. It helps me feel more prepared for the day ahead, and then helps me decompress after a stressful day.
Although I will admit that a mischievous, yappy little puppy can prove challenging at times, especially when on video calls!”And Ned is not just great company for Paul.
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