Do you ever think to yourself, "What did we humans do to deserve dogs?" They love unconditionally, listen to your problems, cuddle with you at the end of a long day, and cheer you up when you are feeling down. Honestly, if you are looking for a companion and have not had any luck with people, consider getting a dog. My perfect fur-baby is my world and I would not have it any other way. Yes, he may chew everything, bark at silly things, and wake me up at three in the morning to go outside, but who could be mad at a face that cute? The following are six signs your fur baby has officially made you a parent.

1. You make sacrifices.

You spend more money on your dog than you have on yourself in a year. Between vet bills, food, treats, toys, and grooming appointments, your pup is responsible for your bank account balance dropping to double digits. You would not have it any other way, though. One of God's greatest creations deserves to be spoiled rotten.

2. “Can I bring my dog?” is a saved response in your phone's automatic replies.

If someone asks you to hang out, do they not expect you to bring your better half, too? Seeing dogs have such a busy schedule of napping and eating, do your friends not realize how fortunate they are to even have a chance to hang out with your prince or princess?

3. You take pictures of your dog at least 20 times a day.

I know he may get a little annoyed at me for telling him to “sit” in front of our neighbor’s flowerbed for a picture everyday, but I have to monitor his growth somehow. And flowers make a pretty background. I guess I should apologize to all of my Snapchat friends for the massive amount of pictures I post of him on my story every week. On second thought, I am not sorry at all. If anything I should be getting a "thank you" from everyone who gets a glimpse of how precious my pup really is.

4. You turn into “Mama Bear” when other dogs bully yours.

If you and your buddy are at the park you better keep an eye on the bigger dogs that may see your pup as a target. If a bigger dog walks up and tries to hurt my fur baby, their owner is going to get a mouth full, and maybe even a restraining order...just kidding (but, seriously).

5. You bring a list of questions to ask at the vet appointment.

“Are his ears supposed to look like that?” “Is it normal for him to really like cats?” “What does this mean psychologically?” Just a few examples of the many questions you may ask your dog’s doctor at his check-up, if you are like me. Classes for new dog parents do not exist around here (trust me I have looked), and your dog cannot ask for themselves, so someone has to!

6. You take your dog to Starbucks when he/she is well-behaved.

The amount of drive-thru restaurants that have dog treats on the menu is just one example of how dogs are a valued part of society. He did really well at the vet? He made it a day without chewing on the couch? Come on boy, let’s go get you a well deserved, over-priced, Starbucks Puppiccino. You deserve it angel!

Your wallet may be empty, but your heart sure is full. There is nothing you would not do for your four-legged ball of fur. You clean up after them, potty-train them, and google-search symptoms when they are feeling sick. If this does not qualify you as a parent, I don't know what does. So, here's to all dog owners of the world. May we love our canines as children of our own and find homes for the ones that are forgotten. The world would be a very incomplete place without man's best friend.