Several months ago, we embarked on quite the journey when we added a six-week old puppy to our family and overnight became a party of five. I have never considered myself a dog person, but my kids’ relentless begging finally wore me down (see #2 below) and I eventually caved. I had always heard people say that dogs were a good training ground for having children, and now I know why.
Here are 20 ways I have found raising a puppy to be similar to raising kids:
- I rush home from work every day to see him. I did this when my kids were little too, back when they were happy to see me.
- I can’t say “no” to him. Now I know where the term “puppy dog eyes” comes from.
3. I wonder if he is eating enough food.
4. I wonder if he is eating the right food.
5. I can’t stop taking pictures of him. My iPhone is constantly maxed out on storage.
6. I add “and a half” whenever anyone asks me how old he is. Apparently there is a big difference between 8 months and 8 and a half months.
7. I feel guilty about leaving him.
8. So I stare at pictures on my phone while I am away.
9. I am unrealistically worried something bad will happen to him. What if he gets eaten by a coyote when we let him out?
10. I am obsessed with his poop. Did he go? What color was it? Was it solid?
11. I want to show him the world. We started at the Headwaters of the Mississippi.
12. I am terrified I am going to do something wrong and he will be scarred for life. There seem to be even MORE opinions, judgments and philosophies (including YouTube videos) on how to treat a dog than how to raise a child.
13. I forget how fast time flies. It seems like just yesterday we brought him home.
14. I love to dress him up. He was Odell “Bark-em”Junior, a wide retriever for Halloween.
15. I day dream about his future.
16. I spend too much money on him.
17. I can’t imagine our life without him. He has brought SO much joy to our family.
18. Now I understand why everyone says “you never really get it until you have one of your own.”
19. I obsess over his safety. Hence I purchased a PFD for him. See #16.
20. It feels like the world stops when we share one of those sacred moments together. Just like with my kids… my eyes fill with tears, my heart swells with love and my brain is permanently etched with the memories of raising this sweet pup alongside my boys.
Love,
A (new) crazy dog mom
3 comments
Happy Birthday Cody! It’s awesome how loved that adorable guy is!
I literally feel like someone took the words out of my mouth! i am so obsessed with my 4 month old puppy its terrible. I love him so much he has brought us so much joyyy!
I love your article about being a new puppy mom I feel your passion about the 20 ways about raising your dog compared to your kids how its similar, the worry, the guilt, the spending, and the eating if its nutritional and especially the memories its so wonderful to have that special bond with your furry loved one and how it adds to your family Thanks again.