It's my one day off from work. Therefore, I'm having the absolute best dream of my life when I start to hear an incessant tapping on my bedroom door. Lo and behold, it's Rupert, my boxer, who has decided that 7 a.m. is the perfect time for a wake-up call. At first, I want to strangle who ever ruined my one day of sleep, but looking into his puppy dog eyes there is no way I can stay mad at him.
So, I welcome him into my room and, of course, he jumps right onto the bed and sprawls out so there is no space for me! But he looks too cute, I just can't move him.
It was in this moment that I realized I may very well be obsessed with my dog. Here's some symptoms to watch out for in case you too are inflicted with puppy love.
1. Eighty-seven Percent of the Pictures You Take Are of Your Dog.
I was attempting to clear out old photos on my phone when I realized that besides having a gazillion ugly selfies, practically all of my phone pictures were of Rupert. I was terribly confused, for I had no recollection whatsoever of taking a picture of him in a blonde wig—yet, there it was.
Not being able to take photos of my dogs was one of the biggest adjustments of going away to school. But no worries, I simply bugged my younger siblings, demanding new dog photos at least once a week.
2. SnapChat
Might as well just change my Snapchat @ to RupertTheDog, because all my Snapchat friends see are new pictures of my dogs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. You Talk To Your Dog
I would like to believe that everyone is guilty of speaking to their dog as if he/she can understand them. Nine times out of 10, I tend to forget that my dog can't talk back.
4. You Miss Your Dog More Than Your Family
While away at school, I miss being woken up by my dog, cuddling with him, and yelling in exasperation as he gets into the trash; I miss everything about my dog. Not being around him was the biggest transition.
I can text or call all my friends and family, yet, for some strange reason, trying to teach Rupert how to text didn't work, and Facetiming him is a little more complicated.
5. My Dog Is the Best Dog
Whenever someone else tries to bring up how great their dog is, you simply smile and nod. Clearly they haven't met your dog. Otherwise, they would know that no other dog can compare.
6. XOXOXOXOXOXO
My dog is always overly excited to greet me at the door after a long day at work. It doesn't matter how long I was away, even if I simply ran to Dunkin' for coffee, he is still excited! I love it.
So, of course he deserves endless hugs and kisses. My dog can't walk within five feet of me without getting a hug. Dogs are the ultimate givers and receivers of affection.
7. Life Of Luxury
I always make sure that my dog is experiencing maximum comfort. He must be tucked in underneath the blankets before bed.
Even if he's just chilling around the house, he must be surrounded by an insane amount of pillows and blankets.
8. Every Dog is a Cute Dog
You're always on the lookout for a cute dog to pet. After all, there are over 100 breeds of dogs, and all of them deserve a hug, so it'll take quite some time to pet all of them.
Even if I'm at a party, I will drop a conversation without a second thought to greet the host's dog.
9. You Verbally Apologize to Your Dog
Accidentally stepping on his tail means that you will spend the next hour trying to apologize. I also tell my dog how sorry I am every time I leave for work in the morning!
10. Man's Best Friend
Your dog is your best friend. Your dog is always there for a hug when you're feeling down, and supports you in all that you do! A dog is a friend for life, and the bond between a girl and her dog can never be broken.
