1. Maternal Maturity

I guess you could say being raised a Tomboy and around a lot of dogs makes me biased. But, until I got my own dog personally and was responsible for her life I didn't really have any motherly instincts. I'm a messy person, I love being outdoors, I'm content alone. The thought of a screaming baby made me sick. That sounds bad but it was piercing to my ears.

Then I got Miss Malki. She made me understand that sometimes screaming babies are embarrassing enough for the parents - and you can't control some weird parts of raising a child.

She made me very motherly. Because all people and animals alike have corks. Some awesome, and some you deal with because you love them! I also cared more about people and their dogs. I wanted to make sure she was out at least once a day for longer than an hour or had a toy to play with while I was working. Having a puppy turned me into a softy and way more maternal.

2. Focused

Malki makes me understand myself more. Realizing her flaws were a symbol of my own mistakes and it's helped me focus. Now, I'm much more effective with work, planning my days, keeping in contact with others. I know at the end of the day, she needs a schedule and that means I need one. So I'm so much more focused and determined not only with work, but being active.

3. Motivated

Having a dog by your side relying on you and needing exercise and proper care keeps you motivated to do things you might not want to do alone. For me, it's going to eat alone. Hiking alone. Going for car rides and meetings. Knowing that she's good in all of these settings and getting her used to her surroundings makes it so much easier to go and do things. It makes me motivated to push through lazy days. To get my appointments straight. It's an all around win win!

4. Confidence

I always wanted to have my own dog. I looked at others with envy like… WTF why don't I have a cute dog hiking with me and doing adventurous stuff? I have had confidence and did before Malki, but her beautiful soul just makes me feel complete. She makes me understand myself which in turn makes me more confident. Having to take care of a puppy and her listening and being obedient makes me really proud. I feel a lot more whole as a woman with her around. A lot more me, a lot more confident. I also am a lot more confident in other dogs. Especially this Vizsla - Packer!

5. Happiness

I am pretty sure that your dog should be making you happy, otherwise you aren't exercising them enough or you're using the crate too often or as punishment. Your happiness is their happiness and if you're being nice and constantly smiling for positive reinforcement it starts to rub off on you. Seriously!!! I smile so much more now that I have Malki! Having a dog is such a good feeling when they're being good, and even when they're being bad looking into those eyes at night time and knowing you have a pal is such a happy feeling! So long as your have your pup with you, you can face anything and everything. Hello Happiness!