All dog owners know just how strong the bond between a human and a dog can be. If you're anything like me, you spend almost all your time together and you even prefer your dog to human friends. They're better listeners and a whole lot cuter. Some of us have quickly passed simply loving our dogs and gone into a state of obsession. Here's eight signs you've made that leap...and that is not a bad thing.
1. You never put them down.
Obviously this doesn’t apply to big dogs, but if you have a little one, they are constantly in your arms. You know when a parent goes out with their baby who can’t walk yet and they just kinda have them snuggled in their arms at all times, and they fit together like two puzzle pieces? That’s you and your dog. You even forget you’re holding them sometimes and debate with yourself if a task you need to do is worth letting their precious paws touch the ground.
2. You call them silly names.
You gag when you hear someone call their boyfriend “boo” or “honey,” but you don’t think twice about calling your dog “snuffuffleumpkins” or “sweetie muffin smooch face” or “Mr. cuddly kissy boo.”
3. You sleep in terribly uncomfortable positions for them.
Obviously your little darling sleeps on your bed (where else would they sleep? Their own bed? The floor? HA, no way) and they also get first pick on where they want to sleep. If that means your pillow, so be it, you’re sleeping at the end of the bed tonight. They want to sleep right between your legs? Guess you’re going to have to stretch. They want the entire bed to themselves? The floor’s not that hard. Anything to keep your little pup comfortable.
4. You wish you could take him everywhere.
You’ve thought of it all. A leash, a doggy stroller, maybe he could fit in a suitcase? Everywhere you go, you think of how much more you would enjoy it if your puppy came along. When you’re out, you’re sure to feel a random pang of guilt sometime when you realize how much your muffin must be missing you. You can actually feel the absence of their furry little bodies pressed up against your side, and you start to count down the minutes until you and your best bud can be together again.
5. They have their own Instagram account...or they’ve taken over yours.
Sorry, OK, they’re just so cute, and everyone needs to appreciate it! You take pictures of them when they wake up, eat breakfast, run around in the yard, takes a nap, takes a bath, watches TV with you, plays with your other dog and when they sleep at night, and you know there has to be someone else out there who wants to see this as well! Who cares how many likes you get on your selfie? But if your little royal doesn’t get the likes they deserve, there’s going to be a problem.
6. You don’t call them your dog.
Wait, when I said “my little boy,” you thought I had a kid? No, but speaking of, I do have to leave the party at 8:30 to put him to bed. When I said “my princess,” you thought it was my girlfriend? Nah, but I am buying her a gift on Valentine’s Day, naturally. When I said “puppy,” you pictured a small, young dog? No, he’s huge, but you can bet I still let him sit on my lap.
7. The gross things they do don’t even affect you.
When your puppy is sick or has an accident, you aren’t squeamish for a second about cleaning up. All you’re concerned about it is your little guy’s comfort. You will do things for that dog that you would never do for a human, because you love them, and they needs you.
8. They're sitting with you as you read this.
