Having a dog is something that I did not realize would be so much work. However, it is also something that has brought me so much joy. Many people think that I have gone overboard when it comes to caring for my puppy but the love that the dog shows me is something that I could not get anywhere else. So if you are a dog mom like me, these are things that you will understand:
1. Getting up early:
If your pup is like mine she is up early. She is ready to play and she just wants her momma’s attention. She wants to be right under me and has a lot to say while I am trying to get to the coffee pot and make that first cup of coffee.
2. Cuddles are the best:
In the morning Annie loves to play, however, there are the rare moments when she wants to grab her chewy and come lay on the couch while mom watches the news and drinks her cup of coffee. These are the best. At night when it is time for bed we are cuddled up in bed together (since dad works nights) and she makes me feel so safe and at ease.
3. She knows when I am feeling anxious:
Dealing with anxiety is something that has always been a struggle, having a dog has really helped. She can feel when my anxiety is high and comes and lays on me. Like mom you will be okay and I am here no matter what.
4. Car rides:
Annie loves going bye-bye. She loves to be in the car. When I leave for work the sadness on her face like what I am not going too, but mom, please, I’ll be good…. When she is in the car she lays in her seat and has the air blowing in her hair. She looks so happy and just like the princess she is. Yes, my dog lives her best life.
5. Exercise:
I have a forever exercise partner. We go for walks and play ball in the back yard. It’s a great way for me to stay in shape and Its fun to have a partner.
6. Dog store:
So now that I have a dog I spend more money in the dog store then I do in Target (Maybe I spend more money in target now because of the dog).I have so much fun looking through toys and trying to find accessories that Annie will never keep on because well she is just a giant toddler and hates anything being on her body that is not a collar. However momma doesn’t care. Yep I am still going to get the bandanna that she is going to try to rip off her neck.
7. The Vet:
Most dogs hate going to the vet. My dog loves going, however, mom is not a fan. She is always in there for one thing or another. I am starting to think she just likes going so she finds a way to go see some of her favorite people that will love on her and mom can spend $100.00 more on her. Also, my dog is the only dog that I know that has allergies, so yeah, I pay for allergy meds too.
8. Hunting:
Okay yes I have a hunting dog, however, Annie was not made for hunting. She is a princess and does not need to get dirty by hunting. In fact, my bird dog gets attacked by the birds. When they dive down at here, she just looks at them like what the hell are you doing?!!
9. Day Care:
Now many people in my life think that this is taking things a bit to extreme because well, she is not an actual child. Yes, I take my dog to day care. Again I have a big toddler who has a ton of energy and I am not always the best at wanting to play or even walk. So she goes to day care and gets all the puppy energy out because well then I can enjoy her. Plus it has helped so much with her socialization. She is not crazy when she see another dog. Ok, well she, IS, but in a good way!
10. Trips are hard:
Yes, we love to vacation. However finding somewhere that allows dogs is so hard to find. I am not the type of person that really wants to leave my dog when I go away. She is one of my comforts so traveling can be more difficult then one may think. Also this means that we will be driving because my baby is not going under any plane.
11. She makes me more social:
So when Annie sees anybody she wants to say hi. She loves people, and most people indulge her need to be friendly. However, I hate everything about being social. So this is a dog mom struggle for me.
12. She meets milestones:
My dog is a growing things so she meets milestones. So obviously I have to share these with the world because, well, I am proud dog mom.
13. Pictures:
Most of our events include me snapping a picture or two. Even if we are just doing a drop off at daycare and she is so excited I want to capture that moment. Yes, I will post it. No you don’t have to like it, I don’t really care. I am just happy around my girl.
14. We are a package deal:
For most things that do not take long, Annie comes with me. She enjoys rides in the car. If you are invited on an adventure with me, more then likely Annie will be coming with me too! As long as we are not going on like an all day shopping trip.
15. I will always ask:
When we get invited to come by for any reason I may ask if Annie can come to. I hate leaving her at home. Keep in mind that I work 40+ hours a week so I am already away from her enough as it is. So yes, I will ask if she is welcome. If she isn’t I am probably not coming just because I’d rather be at home. Not because I don’t want to I would just rather spend my time differently.
16. She is my child:
Some think it is an over statement to say that she is my child. Guess what I take care of her. I spend nights on the floor while she sleeps on the couch when she is not feeling good. She is my baby. Just leave it alone.
17. When the dog is sleeping we do not move:
Annie has energy for days, the is something that I don’t have by any means. So when she is sleeping we don’t move at all because if she wakes up and gets going again I have to get going again. So no, I will not get up and switch the laundry nor will I go get you anything from the kitchen we are snuggling leave us be.
18. No Chapstick at home:
I am a lover of my chap stick. I use it all day at work. However, when I come home the chap stick goes away because she will try to lick it off my lips and don’t get me wrong I love my puppy kisses but come on.
19. Dog Hair:
My car is always covered in dog hair. The lint roller is my best friend. If you hug me expect to have some dog hair come off me and stick to you when Annie is in her shedding season.
20. The puppy stage is long:
So anyone who is going to be getting a puppy, just know that the puppy stage is long. Annie will be two here soon and she still has all that puppy energy! Although I love her and would never change it, she is a lot of work. Make sure you are prepared for the long haul.