Up until about two years ago, I considered myself a cat person. Then we got a new furry addition to our family and my life changed, mostly for the better. I now consider myself a dog person completely, but don't tell the cat.

1. You become a parent

From the moment you bring your little bundle of fur home your parental instincts start kicking in. You go from being carefree to constantly worrying about them. And you find yourself googling some variation of "Is it safe for my dog to..." a couple hundred times a day.

2. Suddenly, dogs are everywhere

Everywhere I go now I notice dogs all over the place. I swear they weren't around as much before. Now I am that person I used to make fun of who freaks out every time they see a dog. My first thought is, "Oh you need to meet my dog, Murphy! Y'all would be the best of friends."

3. Newfound compassion

While I am not a parent myself, I can imagine that the love I have for my dog is just a taste of what parents feel for their children. My capacity for patience and forgiveness has grown twofold. There isn't anything he could do that I wouldn't forgive and I often find myself placing the blame on myself and not on him.

4. Constant guilt

I think the first time my heart truly broke was when I first saw my dog's face through the window as I drove away from the house. Granted, I was only going up the street for 20 minutes but still, it was heartbreaking. I can't go anywhere anymore without the guilt of leaving him home alone weighing on me.

5. Always on the move

Having a dog is a huge health benefit. Not only are dogs good stress relievers but they keep you constantly moving. Whether it is daily walking, trips to the dog park or just chasing them around the house trying to retrieve your favorite sweater back. Just knowing how excited it will make my dog gives me the motivation to get up and get moving. I also feel a lot safer going for runs around my neighborhood when I have my trusted guard dog with me. They don't know he's actually a big softy.

6. Dog park etiquette

This is something that you will have to learn very quickly as a dog owner because it is going to be your dog's favorite place on Earth. You will have to be polite and make small talk with the fellow owners about your dogs even when they tell you your dog is "chubby" when he is clearly just big boned.

7. Your dog is definitely the best dog ever

No one will ever be able to talk you out of this and you shouldn't let them.

8. Unconditional love

The love of a dog is unparalleled and pure. No one will ever be as happy to see you when you get home as that dog. The fact that you left him alone all day doesn't even phase him. He loves you without asking for anything in return.

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." -Josh Billings