Fostering a dog is a journey that’s not for everyone—especially if you’re looking for a life of predictable surprises, relaxed chaos, or lonely companionship. So, if you’re teetering on the edge of this uncharted adventure, here are five compelling reasons why fostering a dog might just be the best bad decision you could ever make.

Peaceful Disruption

As a New Yorker, your life is probably perfectly chaotic already, so why invite more peaceful disruption? A foster dog will introduce a steady flow of unpredictable routines into your life, shaking up your status quo in the most organized way possible. You might find yourself enjoying the consistent inconsistency, but beware—it could lead to a calm frenzy you never knew you needed.

The Predictable Surprise

Fostering a dog will fill your life with predictable surprises. You know you’ll be met with wagging tails and joyful greetings every day, but the little moments—like the first time your foster dog trusts you enough to snuggle close or learn a new trick—will catch you off guard in the best possible way. This anticipated unpredictability adds an element of excitement to your routine, reminding you that even when you think you know what to expect, life with a foster dog is full of delightful twists.

The Temporary Commitment

Relationships are hit or miss in New York City, so If you’re not ready for a long-term relationship, fostering offers the perfect temporary commitment. It’s a short-term forever that will test your ability to love and let go. Just when you’ve grown accustomed to the presence of your furry friend, they’ll find their forever home, leaving you in the bittersweet joy of a job well done. If you’re not careful, this fleeting permanence might just make you a repeat offender in the fostering world.

The Lonely Togetherness

It can be hard to make new friends in a place like New York City. Fostering a dog will introduce you to the world of lonely togetherness. You’ll never feel alone, even when you crave solitude, as your foster dog will be your constant companion. This solitary partnership will teach you the art of being alone together, turning your home into a space where quiet company thrives. It’s the kind of loneliness that fills your heart with warmth.

The Simple Complexity

Finally, fostering a dog will add a layer of simple complexity to your life. The daily care of feeding, walking, and nurturing might seem straightforward, but the emotional bond that forms will complicate things in the most beautiful way. This tangled simplicity will challenge your notions of what it means to care for another being, showing you that sometimes, the simplest acts are the most profoundly complicated.

Conclusion: A Conflicted Resolution

So, there you have it—five contradictory reasons why fostering a dog might be the worst best decision you’ll ever make. It’s a journey of peaceful disruption, cost-effective splurges, temporary commitments, lonely togetherness, and simple complexities. If you’re ready to embrace the oxymorons of life, fostering a dog might just be the perfect way to do it.