The joys of being a dog owner

It's been 6 months, and I'm having trouble remembering what my life was like before I got Bear.

I think I used to wake up to an alarm clock, but now I either wake up to a dog whining "it's time to play so let me out of this kennel," or a tongue licking my face if I didn't lock him in the night before.

I didn't used to go for 3 walks a day, sometimes in the rain, sometimes in my pajamas, sometimes carrying a bag of poo. I didn't have to avoid around all the scary manhole covers or motorcycles, and I didn't have pockets full of plastic bags at all times.

Yeah, he's vain

I didn't used to have dog treats and rope toys in my basket at Home Plus, or feel guilty for not having treats or toys and coming home with lots of things for me but nothing for my animal. 

My schedule didn't used to revolve around someone else's bladder. 

And I definitely didn't used to have teeth marks in my baseboards.

But I also didn't have somebody yipping with excitement every time I opened the door. 

I didn't have a little friend to play with and talk to (like he's an actual person that can be reasoned with...oops) and sit next to me while I watch TV. 

I didn't have a buddy to walk with me to the beach or the bank when I didn't want to go alone. And I didn't have anybody to make me walk 3 times a day and lose 10 pounds (thanks Bear!)

I didn't have anything to take care of besides myself. It may seem silly, but it's really satisfying knowing this creature is alive and healthy and happy because of me. If I accomplish nothing else in a day at least I know I fed my dog. 

He has made my life very different, that little Bear. He's a little bit needy, a little bit naughty, but even when I'm mad at him he's pretty cute.