For years I didn't get a dog because my work schedule was so full and unpredictable. Once I became a WFH consultant I got a dog. He has been life changing. It got me to thinking the other day – what if I'd gotten a dog early in my “career?” I'd have less money. I'd have to wait longer to retire. I'd be MUCH happier. Because I would have made work decisions based on spending time with my dog. Want overtime? Nope. Want me stressed all the time? Nope. Need someone to work extra days? Nope.
Maybe other people have figured out how to achieve that without the dog, but for me, the dog is the canary in the coalmine.