You've seen it make it's rounds on the internet, the astounded headline of "Millennials Are Choosing Dogs Over Motherhood". Sounds a little crazy, but I can tell you first hand it is happening and it is great.
Now that us Millennials for the most part have survived teen pregnancy, you may think it's the new "hip" thing to adopt or buy a dog while you're still trying to navigate through life yourself. Thats what I did, and here's what happened.
1. You Literally Become A Parent
People are not lying that a dog is great practice for a child, now more that ever. Before your biggest worry was what to wear for class or if you should try a daring new haircut. Now its whether or not your dog has eaten enough,if he had a good enough walk before class, or if you can get a sitter for a hot date tonight. The days of thinking for yourself are over, welcome to parenthood.
2. On That Note, You Realize Your Parenting Style
It's not all kissy faces and baby voices when you're raising a dog, your mom or dad voice will come out and then it will be a shock when you realize you had that much authority in you. No matter how old or how well behaved your dog is, a mistake is bound to happen and you're the one in charge. But don't worry, if you yell at a dog he won't go slamming doors and screaming that you're ruining his life.
3. You Even Start Dressing Like A Parent
You have a go to dog park out fit and that is honestly the scariest thing you realize.
4. You Don't Go Out Anymore
Who can take body shots at a frat house when you're too bust thinking about your dog snuggling alone without you on the couch???? Unless one of your friends feels generous enough to be DD once in a while, say goodbye to nights out drinking the night away because you need to get back to your dog. And sleepovers with your significant other are not a thing anymore unless they are 100% ok with sharing their bed with two other bodies now.
5. All Your Money Goes To Dog Care
You've been saving up for a new IPhone but then your dog needs his yearly shots. You see a cute pair of jeans you want to treat yourself to but dog just ran out of food. Want Chic-fil-a? Better make sure you don't need to refill the treat jar anytime soon. And then you see the absolute cutest toy in the pet store and know you're dog will love it. You had no idea having a dog would be this expensive but you do it anyway.
6. Your Backpack Is Holding More Dog Stuff Than School Supplies.
You're trying to find your homework but instead you dig up a water bowl, four dog treats, a toy, and 700 poop bags.
7. You Become THAT Facebook Mom
You make fun of them all the time but suddenly your newsfeed is filled to the brim of pictures of your dog doing literally anything, plus a detailed description of what he was doing and how cute you think he looks.
8. You Stop Investing In Alarm Clocks Because They Wake You Up Anyway
You're never late for class anymore because like clock work your dog is up and begging to be let out or fed at the crack of dawn. Yes it's good to be productive, but you wish they would lean how to sleep in once in awhile.
9. You Realize You Don't Know What You Did Without Them
Despite all the ups and downs and the sacrifices you have to make, there is nothing like the bond between dog and owner. You start to forget what life was like without your furry friend and can't imagine doing life without them anymore!
