Just my opinion, but I think that 'finding yourself' is the task of a lifetime, rather than something you can fit into an arbitrary year. For all my repetitive traits/faults/features, I'm not the same person that I was a year, or a decade ago - heck, I'm arguably not the same person that I was yesterday - every experience potentially changes you & whatever direction you're heading. Personally, I think that the real goal is about growing whilst also reaching/maintaining a state of acceptance of self - since that's also a constantly evolving target, it also involves a recognition that I'll never be a 'finished' product, right up to my final heartbeat. And the path to that final beat, is subject to continual evolution, every moment of every day. There hasn't been a correct route - only the one that I ended up/continue taking & one that I really can't be sure where it will eventually take me to. Journey, not the destination.

As for dogs, I'll say this - my observation is that someone with an emotional bond to a canine, is generally a calmer, more assured person - they're naturally grounding. Yes, there's a responsibility aspect, which becomes more significant with a larger dog that'll require more interaction/exercise - but, they're also a genuine reason to take on responsibility, with that emotional bond being the payback that gives the responsibility meaning beyond just proving oneself.