In the midst of our own baby-denial phase, my partner and I found ourselves juggling four cats and two dogs. Yes, that’s a whole lot of furry friends, and let me tell you, it’s not the best birth control strategy out there. Managing that many pets takes a ton of work—and cash. But honestly? It’s still less demanding than raising one child.
Despite the chaos, I wholeheartedly recommend adding a dog to your family as a sanity saver for parents. If you have kids and don’t own a dog yet, it’s time to make that leap. Trust me; one will do just fine. No need to go overboard!
Worried about the extra effort? Have you never owned a dog? Are you a devoted cat person? I promise, having a dog will simplify your life in ways you never imagined. Here are eight reasons why every family should have a dog:
- Feeding Buddy: When you’re busy feeding your little one, a dog makes the perfect companion. While you nurse or bottle-feed, your furry friend can curl up at your feet or keep your bed warm. My dog, Bella, would nudge me gently whenever the baby cried, reminding me it was time to feed.
- Daily Exercise: Dogs need their daily walks, which means you’ll get outside every day too. Fresh air and exercise are not just good for your pup—they’re great for you and your baby, helping you bounce back after childbirth and shake off those baby blues.
- No Judgement Zone: When you find yourself pouring another glass of wine while questioning your life choices, your dog won’t judge. Instead, they’ll happily clean up the cookie crumbs left behind as you try to feel better.
- Diaper Alert: If your dog starts sniffing around your baby’s bottom, it’s a clear sign that a diaper change is needed. Forget about risking your own nose or fingers; your dog knows when it’s time for a change (and might even sneak a taste if you’re not careful!).
- Unconditional Love: Dogs are masters at appreciating every bit of attention you give them, which is refreshing compared to those tiny humans who can be a bit demanding.
- Mess Cleanup Crew: Dogs are also great at tidying up spills—whether it’s milk or baby spit-up. Before you grimace at the thought, remember, less cleaning for you! And if you’re a cat owner, your dog might even help with the occasional cat mishap.
- Scent Detectives: If a mysterious smell wafts through your home, just let your dog investigate. They thrive on foul odors and can track down the source much faster than you can.
- Solid Food Chaos: The mess that comes with babies transitioning to solid foods is nothing short of a disaster. Your little one will create a food masterpiece that rivals Jackson Pollock, and without a dog, you might be lost in the chaos. Luckily, my dog, Luna, handled all the clean-up, leaving me free to skip bath time and head straight for a glass of wine.
So, take my advice and bring a dog into your life. You won’t regret it!
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In summary, adding a dog to your family can provide emotional support, help with daily tasks, and make parenting a little easier. You’ll find that a furry friend can be a wonderful addition to your home.