Being a dog mom is simply one of the greatest things you can be.

I became a dog mom about eight years ago. My mom drove me thirty minutes outside of town to surprise me with a new puppy that I got to pick myself. It was a Boston Terrier who I a few days later, named Murphy Moose. Years later, Murphy has became locally famous on social media, loved by everyone who meets him, and a huge part of our family. Our family of furry friends has since grown by two, a German Sheppard named Katie, and most recently a Cocker Spaniel, Ferris.

My twin sister, myself, and my boyfriend co-parent the three of them, and I am here to tell you, being a dog mom is one of the most rewarding titles in the world.

1. Your Pups Are Reflective Of You

When you get a dog and as you have them, they become reflective of you and things you love. Your dog's name may mean something to you or have been inspired by someone or something you love. We used to have a dog named Molly, whose name came from a television show I watched as a kid called "The Big Comfy Couch". My Cocker Spaniel's name, Ferris, was inspired by my love of 80s movies. Also, when you chose your dog's collar, you probably picked one of your favorite colors, or again depicting something that holds meaning to you. I live in a house of baseball fans, so my dog Murphy's collar is covered in the Chicago Cubs logo.

2. The Feeling You Get When Someone Freaks Out Over Your Dog's Cuteness

Whether you're out walking your dog, post a picture of him on social media, or receive a compliment from the drive-thru attendant, the feeling of someone telling you how cute your dog is, is completely unbeatable. I mean you know it's true, but it feels great when the rest of the world sees it too. Dog mom's take such pride in compliments as if we had anything to do with how our dogs look. The best is when Starbuck's employees see you have a dog with you through the drive-thru cam, and have a free pup cup waiting for you when you pull up to the window.

3. It Teaches You Responsibility

If you are a dog mom, you know that taking care of your pup or pups, can be a lot of work. Depending on what kind of dog you have they made need groomed often, bath, nails trimmed, brushing, etc. Also, all dogs need exercise of some sort, so you need to set time aside to make sure they are either being walked or played with, some kinds need/want both. No matter what it is for, to be a dog mom you have to be prepared to carve out time for them each and everyday so that they can remain happy and healthy pups.

4. Getting To Show Them Off

Every dog mom loves showing off their pup. We're proud of our little fur babies. This means if you know any of us crazy dog moms, be prepared to be bombarded with pictures just about every time our pup moves. We love posting them on our social media pages too.

5. Your Pup Is Incredibly Loyal To You

One of the greatest things about being a dog mom is getting to build your relationship with your pup. You spend everyday together, learning about one another, and become closer. Soon you have built a solid bond and your pup would do anything for you. They wait all day long to see you, become protective of you, and pick you over anything else because now, even though this pup may only be a part of a large group of special people and things that make up your life, you are their entire world.

6. No One Is Ever As Excited To See You As Your Pup Is

Sometimes when you've had the worst day imaginable all you want to do is go home. Well, as a dog mom, you always get to come home to someone who loves you and is willing to try and make you feel better. Dogs are so good at sensing when something is off with us aren't they? Aside from having tons of kisses and love to come home to on a bad day, it's the best feeling in the world to have someone care enough to be so excited to see you every time you walk through the door, that they hardly let you through it without taking you down. My pups will even start to whine and howl if I take too long to unlock the door.

7. You Get To Watch Them Grow

From that moment when you first bring them home, to seeing them full size, you get to watch your pup grow. You get to see them accomplish the smallest things like mastering going up and down the stairs, potty training, walking on a leash without chewing it the whole walk, to learning how to play with other dogs. Watching them grow into the best companion and just a good dog, is one of the most rewarding things as a dog mom.

8. They're Your Best Friend

Perhaps the most rewarding thing of all when it comes to being a dog mom, is that before anything else, before the one who ate your favorite pair of shoes, or the one who relies on you for meals, the one who begs for endless belly rubs and whatever food you might have, your dog is your best friend. It is an unbreakable bond. You always have someone to come along for car rides, cuddle up with to watch movies, and to keep you company. It's something that you simply cannot understand until you experience it for yourself. But let me just say, if you're thinking about getting a dog, you won't regret it. It is one of the most wonderful, fulfilling, and gratifying things in the world. And I love the title as a dog mom.