As of this week I have officially been a dog owner for one year. I simultaneously feel like I brought Maci home yesterday and there was never a time before her being in my life. Being a dog mom has been one of the best experiences of my life (yes there is a magnet on my car that says "my child has four paws), but certainly not the easiest. The fact that I am a college student only makes things harder, Maci makes it all worth it though. She loves me unconditionally and gives me support without ever knowing it. I have always had dogs growing but it is a totally different game when they are your own dog. I am so thankful for the attitude my parents taught me about having a pet, they are more than just pets they are family. So here are a few of the many things I have learned this past year of being a dog mom.
- How much money your actually going to spend. Vet visits, medicines, toys, treats, and food. It adds up very quickly.
- The amount of love you feel every time you look at them.
- How many times a day they make you smile. It’s countless.
- All of the things they are going to tear up. You think you are ready you really do, but you are never completely ready for all the destruction a puppy brings. Shoes, books, walls, floors, furniture, remotes, phone chargers, pens, literally you name they may chew it up. Here I would like to say thank you to my parents house for taking the worst of it.
- How overwhelmed you feel when you first bring them home. You are very excited but also so scared. You don’t know what you have gotten yourself into, all you know is theres no going back. They are in a new place and scared too. Give it time you are both still learning.
- Half the time your boyfriend (or girlfriend) won’t know whether you are taking to them or the dog.
- Whenever you aren’t with them you are always, thinking, worrying, or wondering about them.
- 6 am wake up calls. Yeah, get used to them. When you gotta go you gotta go fast.
- It’s okay to be upset with them when they do something wrong. Just remember they don’t speak english. Patiences will save you a lot of grief.
- You say things like “no don’t eat that” or “thats not your poop” way too often.
- The only way your dog sees the world world outside your home is through you. Let them see as much of it as possible.
- Buy the puppy training! Yes it is expensive, but it is so worth it. You and your dog will grow closer together. Not to mention the things your dog will learn could be life saving.
- The size of your heart will grow exponentially.
