In 2015, award-winning author and blogger Lisa Dawson relocated with her family from Berkshire to a Georgian house near York, sparking initial resistance from her three children. To ease the transition, the family decided to get a dog, leading to the addition of Buddy, a Lhasa apso, to their household. Known for their role as companions to Tibetan monks, Lhasa apsos are a small breed that requires minimal exercise—an attribute well-suited to Dawson’s lifestyle. Despite her children initially promising to share pet care duties, Dawson quickly became the primary caretaker for Buddy, assuming responsibility for walking, feeding, and grooming.
Though not initially identifying as “a dog person,” Dawson grew to appreciate the bond with Buddy, who has also helped her daughter overcome a longstanding fear of dogs. “She was terrified of dogs, to the point she wouldn’t sit in the room with one,” Dawson recalled. Having Buddy around since he was a puppy has helped her daughter become comfortable and confident with animals, a development Dawson describes as beneficial for children.
About a decade after bringing Buddy into the family, Dawson added a British shorthair kitten named Flo to their menagerie. As with Buddy, Dawson took on the primary role in caring for Flo, further establishing herself as the central figure in the lives of both pets. She emphasized the importance of pet insurance, citing previous veterinary incidents and noting that coverage helps manage both major medical expenses and routine costs such as flea treatments.
Despite occasional rivalry, Buddy and Flo share a close bond, often found resting together on Dawson’s sofa. “Flo thinks she’s a dog,” Dawson observed, attributing the kitten’s dog-like behavior to growing up alongside Buddy.
As her children have grown and begun to leave home, Dawson finds comfort in the pets’ consistent routines, noting their regular feeding times serve as anchors in daily life. This stability proved particularly important following the breakdown of her marriage in September of the previous year, which coincided with a move to a new house and the start of major renovations. During this challenging period, Dawson said her pets provided a sense of normalcy and companionship. “It was nice having them still wanting me to do the same things for them,” she said. “They signify home.”
Dawson has since become the sole homeowner of the property after buying out the remaining mortgage. While she values her solitude, she remains grateful for the company of Buddy and Flo. Reflecting on the role of pets during difficult times, she noted that even without verbal communication, animals can alleviate feelings of loneliness and offer a sense of family.