How My Dog Is Practically My Child
There’s never a dull moment in our household, thanks to our furry little family member. She once decided that my phone was the perfect spot for a bathroom break. Yes, you read that right – she pooped on my phone. While I was initially horrified, I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. It was a stark reminder that having a dog is much like having a child; they’re full of surprises, they test your patience, and they can turn ordinary moments into unforgettable memories.
Our furry friends, fur babies, man’s best friend (or woman’s thank you), whatever we call them bring nothing but joy to our lives. Before we adopted our little boy, I often compared my dog to having a child. Now I have a child, this is pretty much still the case, although I would now argue that dogs are a bit easier… but just a bit.
Before the hate starts that I’m comparing animals to my child, this is just a little humour to get us through the day… a bit like funny cat videos but without the cat videos. More on that later, as I’m one of those cat/dog people. I love them all! I want them all.
So with that, here is my definitive list as to why having my dog is like having a child.
- She cried the other night and kept us awake because we put an extra cushion in her bed. How dare we?
- She has pet names, other than her actual pet name.
- She’ll only drink out of her own water bowl. No other container will suffice.
- The moment my back is turned, she transforms into a little thief, snagging anything from Mommy’s blusher to socks, tissues, cat poop, stones, and even an entire packet of fruit chew sweets.
- She makes really cute faces when she wants something. That head tilt!
- She makes really cute faces when she’s been naughty. That head tilt!
- She doesn’t like having baths
- She refuses to brush her teeth
- She makes far too much noise when she shouldn’t
- Regularly navigating the trifecta of pee, poop, and vomit has become a routine part of our lives.
- How. can such a small creature produce an endless supply of poop?
- She doesn’t have any desire to pay us any rent.
- Her younger brother frequently plays the role of the tattletale, eagerly reporting her mischief.
- Her craving for play is relentless, echoing the endless energy of a child – eager for games and fun at all hours.
- She has to have a new jumper to wear. Christmas Day. (So mommy says)
- She gets grumpy if she needs her food
- She announces anything she requires —either with an insistent bark or by planting a strategic lick across my face.
- If she’s scared, she has to sleep in our bed
- We spend a fortune on toys only for her to destroy them within a week.
- She loves us unconditionally
- We love her unconditionally
As we navigate the joys and challenges of pet parenthood, it’s fascinating to see just how childlike our furry companions can be. But don’t just take my word for it. According to Dr. Alex Hynes, an emergency veterinarian and animal behaviourist, “Dogs exhibit behaviours remarkably similar to human children due to their social nature and their development in human-centric environments. This includes seeking attention, displaying jealousy, and even throwing tantrums when their needs or desires are not met. It’s a testament to the deep emotional capacities of dogs and their ability to form complex social bonds with their human families.”
This insight sheds light on why our pets often act more like members of our family than mere animals. Their antics, from the adorable to the exasperating, are not just random but deeply rooted in their social instincts and emotional connections with us.
With that, tell me your own funny or touching stories about your pets in the comments. Are snakes funny? Do goldfish drive you nuts?
