If there’s one thing that is almost universally agreed on, it is that everyone loves puppies. Because puppies are so lovable, I can even admit to avoiding studying for exams by googling puppy pictures and picking out my favorites to add to my Pinterest board. However, this innocent browsing eventually led to me constantly showing postings about beagle puppies to my boyfriend, insisting a puppy was just what our home was missing. Wouldn't you know it, with the year 2016 came our newest family member, Harvey.
Now, just a quick disclaimer: I LOVE Harvey. He is my little fur-baby. Yet, there’s no denying that adopting him brought on a whole new way of life that included many wonderful changes, but also most definitely a fair share of challenges. As a result, I want to share what I have found to be the pros and cons of becoming a dog-mom.
Pro: THOSE FLOPPY EARS!! Our little beagle puppy has the floppiest ears, so much so that when we brought him home they would dangle in his water dish when he went to drink. It was unbelievably precious.
Con: Goodbye, sleep. The first week home seemed easy when Harvey napped every other hour, but that changed pretty quick. We are now woken up promptly at 5:30 every morning. Additionally, because I’m at class part of every day, Harvey is only interested in playing when I get home. Naps, for the most part, have become a thing of the past, and the occasional 20-minute rest is a treasure.
Pro: My friends like me more. Don’t get me wrong, my friends have always been the best, but since we brought Harvey home, they seem to venture off-campus to visit way more often. I don’t think I’ve gotten any cooler, so I have to assume they’re here for the adorable bundle of fur.
Con: Puppy farts are the worst. How had I not heard about this beforehand??? I'm not saying it would have stopped us from getting him, but some warning certainly would have been nice. We first experienced Harvey farts on the way home from the pet store, and we immediately exchanged looks of utter horror. Those rancid farts have managed to clear many a room since.
Pro: Exercise buddy. Harvey is a little ball of energy, so my boyfriend and I now get an extra mini-workout while taking Harvey for long walks around the neighborhood.
Con: Homework takes twice as long as it used to. Harvey does this really cute thing where he gets jealous when my attention is on anything other than him for more than five minutes. I sit down and open my laptop, and next thing I know there is a chew toy being dropped onto my keyboard. Even when I try to tire him out a bit by playing and then try to turn back to my work, he insists on sleeping right on top of my laptop. Subtlety is not one of Harvey’s strong suits.
Finally, the biggest Pro: I have a new best friend. It’s pretty common knowledge that dogs are always ecstatic to see their owner after they’ve been away, but I never realized that Harvey would love me this much. He follows me all around the house and I am always his first choice for cuddles. Likewise, I smother him in kisses and “good boy's" every chance I get because I can’t get over how much I love this little guy. Through all of the mess and early mornings, he has won our hearts and a lifelong spot in our family.
Hopefully, this list provided some insight for anyone considering adopting a furry friend. As for all of my current dog-parents out there, I hope you can relate a bit to these pros and cons, and that they make you want to give your fur-baby a nice, long belly rub.
