I’ve been a cat person for as long as I remember. I know what you’re thinking: “Why would you like those demons?” Cats hiss and scratch and don’t really want to be touched. Ever. Doesn’t really sound like the ideal pet, now does it?
When I started first grade at a brand new school in a brand new town, I got my kitten. He was small and midnight black with a small white patch of fur under his chin. I named him Cupcake. I know what you’re thinking now too: “What possesses someone to name a cat cupcake? I can think of 1,000 better names.” Well, so can I--but come on, I was 7.
Anyway, with time, my cat became an outdoor cat and decided to disappear. Not literally, but he’d only come inside at five in the morning to eat breakfast, meaning I never got to see him. It was like I didn’t actually have a cat. I still loved him, but a little less. Honestly, he scared me sometimes because he would kiss and try to scratch me. My own cat!
Ten plus years later and Cupcake’s still around, in case you were wondering. In his old age, he’s become an inside cat again and I actually get to spend time with him and he lets me pet him every once in a while. He’s a very unique cat but still doesn’t sound like the ideal pet.
Growing up, I had many friends who had dogs, even family members like my grandparents, and I just didn’t like them. They were big and loud and I didn’t know how to act around them, especially when they’d jump up on you. Even though cats have their own flaws, they were more agreeable than dogs. I stayed away from dogs as much as I could, and looking back in hindsight, that was the stupidest decision I could have ever made.
So here’s how I’ve become a dog person. It started when I went off to college. I couldn’t take Cupcake, obviously. But college is stressful, and in between all the work and reading and mental breakdowns, you just need to snuggle something fluffy.
My college, I’m sure like many others, started bringing therapy dogs in during Midterms and Finals Week, and let’s just say I couldn’t get enough of them. Not only do I believe that dogs do make you happier and elevate stress, but they’re just so darn cute!
Soon, I was visiting the pet store every once in a while to play with a cute dog. And now it’s just gotten to the point that I was there two days last week, and before I know it, they’ll probably know me by name!
So, for now, I’ll still continue loving my cat (sort of) and playing with puppies on the daily, but you never know when something could change.
How could you not love this cute, adorable puppy?
