Along Came Chewy
A month ago this week, I adopted the 21-pound love of my life, Chewy. Though I’ve wanted a dog my ENTIRE life, I still sometimes feel under-prepared. So…
Here are “10 Things I Wish Someone Had Warned Me About Before Becoming a Dog Parent.”
1. You will think about your dog all. day. long.
You’ll have the inexplicable urge to rush home in an Uber during lunch just to make sure they aren’t scared or lonely. You’ll wish that your dog was able to text so you could check in and say hey.
2. Worst of all, all I want to do is talk about them!
You’ll find a way to bring your dog into every conversation you participate in and you will not be able to stop yourself.
3. It ain’t all cuddles and treats.
Just like my theory on social media, people typically only share the wonderful moments with their dog. No one warns you about the sleepless nights or the endless Google searches (i.e. “why is my dog’s poop green?”). This job ain’t all glamour.
4. Your dog will have to earn your trust.
With my dog, I was under the impression he would instantly understand how much I wanted him, and would lovingly leap into my arms. However, he was likely mistreated by a woman and took an entire month to come around to me. Training a dog takes patience, training, time and approximately 1 crying phone call to mom.
5. Every dog has their own unique set of difficulties.
Just like humans, they all carry their own baggage and burdens, especially when it comes to adopting. Take time to understand their idiosyncrasies and praise them when they give love.
6. When they’re sad, you’re sad.
When your dog cries, you want to cry. When they’re sick, you’d give your own kidneys to make it end.
7. There’s an unspoken dog owner etiquette.
This one is surprisingly confusing. What is one supposed to do when their dog starts licking another dog’s privates? Wish them both a good morning and look away? Why is there no pamphlet? You’ll also learn all of your neighbor’s dog’s names without knowing anything about their owners.
8. Bye bye savings, hello dehydrated beef liver.
Whereas you might opt to buy a snack on clearance for yourself, you’ll find yourself being significantly more picky for your dog. If everything you had was taken away, you’d probably want to spend your last dollar on your doggy.
9. Sayonara, vacation.
“Wait, where will my dog go when I visit my family in Florida? How much is that going to cost??” Prepare to tack on $200-300 to every non-dog-friendly trip you ever take, plus additional logistics. Oh yea, and see #1.
10. You will instantly love this creature more than you ever, ever imagined.
It’s all worth it, every last second. If you’re doing it right, you’ll love this dog with every fiber in your being.
Genevieve Carter says
More than happy to host Chewy man fo’free when you guys need to travel. Some things shouldn’t have to change when you add a dog 🙂
trosenberg2@gmail.com says
Aw, thanks Gen! Much appreciated, I will 1,000% keep that in mind!