Three and a half years ago on March 1st a little girl named Piper Mae was born.
Except at that point, she didn’t have a name or a family, she was just another puppy in a shelter who needed a home. A few weeks later in mid-June my family and I went to the shelter for this same little girl, and that is the day I became a parent.
Now, it doesn’t matter if you want to call me a dog mom or not even a mom at all. Piper has changed my life in so many ways, and everything I do for her and she does for me make her my child.
1. Months spent training and teaching her
Teaching her that we potty outside not inside, that human food is not for puppies, and that we do not bite people, are just some fundamentals. Whether it was chasing her when she got out of the yard, or scolding her when she peed on the carpet, training Piper was a full-time job and one that will probably continue for the rest of her life.
2. Ignoring the begging that is involved when real food is out
There is never a day where I have food out and Piper is not at my feet begging for a piece. This is fueled by the fact that I usually can’t ignore her “I want your food and I love you” eyes and sneak her a bite of what I’m eating at the time. My family tells me this is why she weighs 100 pounds, but I insist she is just big boned.
3. The peeing everywhere
Even with proper training, it appeared Piper was still peeing everywhere. After a trip to the vet, Piper was diagnosed with a weak bladder that lead to incontinence. By simply giving her medicine every day that problem was fixed, that doesn’t mean however that she doesn’t have the occasional slip up. Which frequently happens in my bed, while I’m asleep in it.
4. Referring the fighting
Our family dog is a King Charles Spaniel who thinks he is top dog, even though he can’t tell the porch from the grass when he goes to the bathroom. This lead to a lot of fighting when Piper was first brought home, because how could he be the top dog when Piper could literally eat him.
5. Yelling when they chew up something
All dogs do it, some just do it to rather important things. Piper had the habit of chewing up her dog beds and then being shocked when we took them away. We finally found an indestructible bed company that has lasted us 2 years.
6. Giving yourself a heart attack when they go to the vet
When Piper goes to the vet my phone ringer is always on high, and I will decline everyone else’s calls. I worry the whole day if they found something, or if anything went wrong. If they do find anything suspicious I am the one that comes running in demanding all the tests be run so we know it’s nothing serious.
7. Knowing they’re your best friend
Whether it is dressing alike, sleeping in the same bed, or always being there for each other. I know without a doubt that Piper is my best friend in the whole world.
8. You can't imagine life without them
My life has changed drastically since Piper came into it. Every day I wake up to a life I never imagined living, but I know that everything will be okay with her by my side.