We're three months into owning our first dog, and we've discovered that there are some surprising benefits to owning a dog:
1. The floor is free of food.
The Little Human still spreads his food around him like confetti when he eats, but now that we have Jagger, there is no food to be seen. She will hover up pretty much anything! Except her kibble. Sigh.
2. Our house occupants are more likely to pick up their stuff.
Shoes, toys, clothes and especially undies are great chew things, according to our growing puppy. As a result, the Big Hairy Human and the Little Human (not to mention me) now all put our shoes and other stuff away. Most of the time. And I take no responsibility for anything left in paw's reach. Including the Big Hairy Human's new leather shoes and LEGO.
3. No need to install a doorbell
Our little furry security guard will start barking when someone is walking, running, cycling or scootering within 20 meters of the house. Ditto for all the other dogs up the street.
4. No need for an alarm clock
Jagger is ready and raring to go at sparrow's fart - AKA just before the break of dawn. The minute she's released from her pen by our equally early and chirpy Little Human, she launches at breakneck speed onto the our-of-bounds Big Human's bed and licks face enthusiastically and with scant regard for the sanctity of nostrils. Plus, if you don't take her out right away, she'll find somewhere to pee. Usually a mat or pillow.
5. Less bird poo on the deck
The birds love to sit and poo all over our deck, but when Jagger is patrolling the property, she scares them away so they can poo someplace else. Much more effective than fake snakes.
6. Someone is always ecstatic to see you
When the Big Hairy Human gets home, he usually gets his first kisses from Jagger - his son barely mumbles hello as he continues to smash his opponents on the iPad and I holler out a hello from the kitchen. When the boys are out, It's nice to have a waggy tail to greet you after running errands instead of an empty house.
7. New friends
Like babies, dogs put you into a new membership club: Dog Owner/Lover. Anyone who loves dogs or is a dog owner, past or present, wants to pat your dog and talk to you (but mostly pat the dog). Neighbours who I have never met or had a decent conversation with were now very chatty, promising puppy play dates and handing over doggy presents like lollies.
Note to singles looking for love: get a dog (or borrow one) and double your chances of picking up a date!!!
What are the surprising things that you have found about dog (or pet) ownership? Share your story!!!
Find us on Instagram: @pawsnaffect
Find us on Facebook: Paws and Affect
Find us on Pinterest: Paws and Affect
1. The floor is free of food.
The Little Human still spreads his food around him like confetti when he eats, but now that we have Jagger, there is no food to be seen. She will hover up pretty much anything! Except her kibble. Sigh.
2. Our house occupants are more likely to pick up their stuff.
Shoes, toys, clothes and especially undies are great chew things, according to our growing puppy. As a result, the Big Hairy Human and the Little Human (not to mention me) now all put our shoes and other stuff away. Most of the time. And I take no responsibility for anything left in paw's reach. Including the Big Hairy Human's new leather shoes and LEGO.
3. No need to install a doorbell
Our little furry security guard will start barking when someone is walking, running, cycling or scootering within 20 meters of the house. Ditto for all the other dogs up the street.
4. No need for an alarm clock
Jagger is ready and raring to go at sparrow's fart - AKA just before the break of dawn. The minute she's released from her pen by our equally early and chirpy Little Human, she launches at breakneck speed onto the our-of-bounds Big Human's bed and licks face enthusiastically and with scant regard for the sanctity of nostrils. Plus, if you don't take her out right away, she'll find somewhere to pee. Usually a mat or pillow.
5. Less bird poo on the deck
The birds love to sit and poo all over our deck, but when Jagger is patrolling the property, she scares them away so they can poo someplace else. Much more effective than fake snakes.
6. Someone is always ecstatic to see you
When the Big Hairy Human gets home, he usually gets his first kisses from Jagger - his son barely mumbles hello as he continues to smash his opponents on the iPad and I holler out a hello from the kitchen. When the boys are out, It's nice to have a waggy tail to greet you after running errands instead of an empty house.
7. New friends
Like babies, dogs put you into a new membership club: Dog Owner/Lover. Anyone who loves dogs or is a dog owner, past or present, wants to pat your dog and talk to you (but mostly pat the dog). Neighbours who I have never met or had a decent conversation with were now very chatty, promising puppy play dates and handing over doggy presents like lollies.
Note to singles looking for love: get a dog (or borrow one) and double your chances of picking up a date!!!
What are the surprising things that you have found about dog (or pet) ownership? Share your story!!!
Find us on Instagram: @pawsnaffect
Find us on Facebook: Paws and Affect
Find us on Pinterest: Paws and Affect