Looks can be deceiving. That is how I felt a couple of months after getting my puppy. When I walked into the pet store, I really had no idea what I was getting myself into. Feed the dog twice a day, give it love, affection, and the rest is history. However, I found out that having any pet, (whether it is a fish, cat, dog, or even a mouse,) is A LOT of work. I was definitely in over my head when I got my puppy. Here are 10 things I learned as a new pet parent:
1. Puppies have no sense of night and day.
When I first got my puppy, I never thought I would sleep again. She would wake up at any time throughout the night, ready to play while I was mid-dream. Really, you want to play catch now?
2. Buying the pet is not the only expensive aspect of owning it.
Hmm, let’s see: food, wee-wee pads, collar, grooming, and doctor visits all for one puppy. Did I mention I am currently a college student? My pockets are almost always empty.
3. Pet-Proofing the house is a MUST.
I don’t think I ever realized how many nooks and corners were open until my puppy found each and every one. Not to mention, all the dust she ate while she was down there was not a pretty sight.
4. Puppies are adorable, until they go to the bathroom all over the floor.
What? You mean puppies don’t already know where they are supposed to use the bathroom? By the way, stepping in poop is not all it is cracked up to be.
5. When teething, avoid puppies mouth at all times.
They may look extremely cute but when they bite, it is a different story. Not so fun fact, puppy bites hurt. A LOT.
6. Puppy selifes are the best selifes.
You never realize how photogenic animals are, until you become a pet parent.
7.As a pet owner, I seriously look at the treatment of other animals.
It is understandable, as the love for my puppy grows, I started to think how I would want my pet to be treated and judge accordingly to how other pet owners treat their fury friends.
8. I find myself going on more pet play-dates than other outings with my friends.
It is no surprise I saw a noticeable change with who I was hanging out with. After all, my pet is a big part of my life, why not spend time having others admire my pet as much as I do?
9. Not every place I go to is pet friendly.
So it maybe it has happened once or twice (or ten times) that I have been restrained from entering a place because of the dreaded “no pets allowed sign.” It is okay, it happens.
10. I found a new friend for life.
I did not know how much my life would change getting a puppy. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
They say that a dog is (wom)man’s best friend. After having my little pup for the past six months, I can certainly agree with this statement! While there have been many ups and downs, I can definitely say without a doubt my life has been bright with my puppy in my life.
