I grew up in a family that always had dogs. So when my parents decided to move themselves and my six fur babies over 1,500 miles across the country, you can say I was a little heartbroken. For almost a year, I loved on everybody else's dog while they told me that I just needed to get one of my own. I finally found an affordable place that allowed pets and immediately began dog searching. Ever since I first found the ad listed on my puppy, Ellis, I knew he would make life 17,072,509 times better, and boy, did he live up to those expectations.
If you're in the limbo about whether getting a dog is the right thing for you to do right now, here's why I encourage your decision to adopt a fur baby.
1. Puppy cuddles
From the moment you pick them up and take them home - I'm talking pass out on your lap while you're driving home still obsessing over how adorable they are and trying not to move the arm that they end up laying out (that you conveniently need to drive) because you don't want to wake them. They'll snuggle up next to you and fall asleep on your shoulder while relaxing in bed, rest their head on your leg while playing with a toy on the floor and be out ten seconds later, or curl up in the curl of your legs at night. Anytime, anywhere. Puppy snuggles never fail to make life better.
2. The endless laughs
Every puppy has their own spunky personality and interesting traits. I can't help but laugh when Ellis chases his tail until he falls over dizzy or jumps in the bathtub every morning waiting for me to turn the shower on. Yes, they'll do things that really irk you sometimes, but even then, you can't help but laugh a little because they're so gosh darn adorable.
3. Unconditional love
No really, they'll love you no matter what. They might give you a sad look when you discipline them for peeing on the floor or tearing up a flip flop, but they will instantly turn around and want to make you happy again. With a dog, there's no way a bad day can last. They'll do anything and everything to put a smile back on your face - even if it means your face is covered in puppy slobber.
4. Workout partner/motivator
It seems like everyone's goal lately is to get fit or on a steady workout routine, and why not?! It's good for you! Who's going to hold you more responsible for keeping a routine than a puppy who wants the exercise more than you do! Not to mention, they'll help you tear through that extra mile and probably increase your pace after awhile!
5. You're always missed
No one gets more excited to see you every time you come home than your pup. I can even just run downstairs to start laundry or out to my car to grab something and be gone no longer than five minutes, and Ellis will freak out just as much when I walk back through that door as he does when I get home from work every day. Nothing makes you feel more loved than knowing you were truly missed, and your pup will always let you know that.
6. Lifetime listeners
They'll listen all day without back talking or complaining. Well, that's breed dependent I suppose. They might talk back and let you know about their day or that they're always here for you.
7. New friends galore
If you thought you were a social butterfly, wait until you have a dog. There's no way you can make it through one walk without someone stopping and wanting to love on your dog. Heck, I've even had people at stoplights get out of their car to pet Ellis while we're waiting at the crosswalk. The amount of new people you will meet and the number of people you already know that will ask about how your dog is doing are endless. Plus, dog people usually have their own dogs which means puppy play dates!
My life got so much better because of my little man, and I will always encourage any and everyone to give any pup a good, loving home. Adopt a fur baby today and make not only your life better, but theirs too!
If you want more Ellis, feel free to check out my Instagram or Snapchat @tiffany_patrick.
