Remember that beautiful moment when you brought home your first bundle of joy? The whole world seemed to change, become smaller, and begin to revolve around your sweet, innocent — dog. Even if you are now the proud parent of a tiny human or two, you’ll never forget your very first pup. The one that first taught you the joy of loving another creature more than you love yourself. Here are 6 signs your dog is your firstborn child.
Image Credit: Flickr | DavideGorla
1. Your Dog’s Comfort Is More Important Than Your Own
Image Credit: Flickr | Natalie Maynor
After a long, hard day, you just want to crash, but you find your pooch sprawled adorably across your sheets. It’s these situations that separate the dog owners from the pawrents. While some simply command their dogs off the bed, pawrents contort their bodies into advanced yoga poses in order to preserve the comfort of their pups!
2. You Refer to Your Pup as Your “Son” or “Daughter”
Image Credit: Flickr | Yasmapaz & Ace_Heart
If you regale coworkers, friends, baristas, and perfect strangers with stories of little Howard’s first haircut or trip to the beach, you may be a proud pawrent. If your dog is your firstborn, you want to share every experience with the people around you. Surely they are fascinated by Susie’s remarkable potty training progress — right?
3. You Are a “Helicopter Pawrent”
Image Source: Kelly Hunter via Flickr
Is your home decked out with padded corners, cabinet locks, and outlet protectors? Do you insist on inspecting each blade of grass or inch of pavement before your pooch places a precious paw there? Congratulations, you are a helicopter pawrent! But don’t worry, it gets better with time and experience. By the time you have your second dog — or first child — you won’t bat an eye when he puts a dirty toy in his mouth. With that said, there’s no shame in embracing the mantra, “safety first!“
4. Your Pooch Eats Better Than You Do
Image Credit: Flickr | Bazzadarambler
You read dog food labels for fun and have tried out several homemade recipes for your little bundle of fur. A healthy diet is imperative for a thriving dog, and you are determined to ensure she eats like a queen — even if it means you have to eat like a broke college student!
5. Instead of Selfies, Your Phone Is Jammed with Snaps of Your Dog
Image Credit: Flickr | Eli Christman/Richmond Animal League
Do you have to swipe until your finger is sore to locate a photo that doesn’t feature your dog? Have you given up selfies in exchange for “besties” — photos of you with your four-legged BFF? Some may call it obsessive, but every new pawrent does it! There’s no shame in being proud of your fur kid or wanting to share your joy with the world. So what if your dog has more Twitter followers than you?
6. Your Social Life Revolves Around Your Pup
If every outing is planned around your dog — from choosing pet-friendly restaurants to skipping events where your pup isn’t welcome — you’ve fully embraced life as a pawrent. And honestly, there’s no better way to live. Your dog was there first, loves you unconditionally, and deserves every bit of the devotion you give in return.
