Things No One Tells You About Owning a Dog

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.

Fill the Freezer

 

I want start off by saying people are simply amazing. Over the past several months my family has been through some really tough times. My dad unemployed, my mom working multiple jobs, just scrapping by. But this story isn't about our rough patch, it's about wonderful, loving people. 

My parents friends held a Fill the Freezer party for us, every one who was invited brings a frozen dish or gift card to go to eat. It is so simple but so powerful. We filled two freezers with food! People bought us groceries and gift cards. They wanted to make sure that food was the last thing that we were worrying about. I grew up in a family where doing for others is just a part of daily life, but having people do such a caring, simple act for my family was eye opening. People are amazing. There were so many people there to give hugs and remind us that no matter how hard times get we are still loved. They showered us with encouragement and love. There never a way to thank friends enough. People go beyond expectations, even in the broken world that will live in there is still so many good people and so much hope. Thank you every one, thank you! 

If you know anyone that could need extra support, throw them a Fill the Freezer party. It's an easy way to spread love. And living to help others is the best way to live. 

xoxo,

       MK