I am un abashedly proud dog mom. I always have been. I love all animals, I truly do…but dogs get the biggest part of my heart. Right now, that piece belongs to a 14-pound Jack Russell Terror–er, Terrier–names Benny. He just turned 4 years old in July, and it has been the best time being his human mamma. I have found five favorite perks about being a dog mom:
1.) A WORKOUT BUDDY
Going for a walk is much more fun where there is a set of brown eyes that comes and asks to go, too. Benny is like clockwork—at 4:30 pm everyday it’s time. I know that if I do strength earlier enough in the afternoon, I can take a cool down walk with him. Having a dog has definitely encouraged me to be more active, which has been very beneficial.
2.) A SUPER-CUTE HOT WATER BOTTLE AT NIGHT
I am notoriously cold. There is no such thing as “too many blankets” in my world. Benny is not so much a cuddler, but he loves to snuggle by my legs and feet, which is welcomed on a chilly winter night. Bonus: He’s much cuter than the red rubber thing (even the ones that come in a sweater).
3.) SOMEONE THERE ALWAYS CARES
It doesn’t matter if it is the flu or a toothache; when I am hurting, Benny knows, and he never leaves my side. No, he’s not a cuddler, but he is compassionate when I don’t feel good. The unconditional loyal love of a dog is the absolute best.
4.) THEY TEACH YOU PERSPECTIVE
I can no longer open Amazon boxes in my living room; I have to hurriedly bring it to the downstairs office to crack into it because SOMEONE has learned hat his toys often come in boxes. And when he smells one waiting for him within he cardboard, holy moly, you would think his butt would levitate with how fast it wags. He reminds me that it is the little things that light up life…because those little nothings can be huge somethings in our big picture.
5.) EVERY DAY IS THE CHANCE FOR SOMETHING NEW
Benny surprises me daily with his personality. When he was a brand new puppy, I taught him how to carry his treat container to me when he wanted some. Four years later, he will randomly bring me things to request something. An ice cream dish when he wants some soft serve. The nub of a bully stick when he wants to trade. I never know what this little boy is going to do from day to day, but I know at the end of it I am going to love him more than the day before. It’s a solid reminder that we are really never too old to try something out for the first time.
Fur is family, that is for sure! Do you have fuzzy feathered or scaley kiddos? Tell us all about them in the comments?
Kayla Lee is a Minnesota-based wedding and elopement photographer. She provides services to elegant, authentic, sentimental couples who not only choose their own adventures, but also live them to the fullest! See more about the KLP Wedding Experience!
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