Lately, I’ve been wrestling with a rather surprising realization that I feel compelled to share: I think I might actually enjoy the company of my dog more than that of my children. Before you start reaching for your phone to contact local authorities, hear me out! I’m not saying I love my dog more than my kids; rather, this is about compatibility. My dog, Max, has proven to be a consistently great companion, unlike my kids who can sometimes be a handful.
For instance, when I walk through the door, Max greets me with pure joy. He doesn’t demand treats or ask for snacks before I can even take off my shoes. Instead, he wags his tail, eagerly waiting for a pat, then happily retreats to his bed, content that my presence is enough to brighten his day.
Max is an attentive listener, responding promptly to commands like “come” or “sit” without the need for me to repeat myself or threaten to take away their favorite devices. If only my children took a cue from him! I sometimes wonder if Max could even help with chores like making their beds.
When we go for car rides, Max is ecstatic just to be included. He never asks where we’re headed or if we can stop for snacks, and he certainly doesn’t request that I switch the radio to something more current. Although, I have to admit, sometimes I cringe at what I’m listening to, especially when I catch myself belting out “Sweet Caroline” on my own.
Dogs are also remarkably unfussy eaters; Max never complains about his meals. Each time I scoop his food, he’s overjoyed, in stark contrast to my kids who constantly voice their dissatisfaction with anything that isn’t pizza, Chipotle, or fast food.
Moreover, Max only whines in truly urgent situations, like when he’s hurt or needs to go outside. My children, on the other hand, can whine about just about anything—whether they’re hungry, tired, or the wind is blowing too hard. Plus, Max doesn’t have the ability to call me from another room to complain, which would definitely make for some hilarious moments (and potential fame on America’s Funniest Home Videos).
Max embodies the ideal dog: friendly, reliable, and devoted. But let’s not forget, he’s not human. The beauty of my children lies in their wonderfully flawed and unpredictable nature. They bring both chaos and joy, and even though some days feel more like dog days, I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
In conclusion, while I adore my dog for his unwavering companionship, it’s my kids who make life truly interesting and rewarding. For anyone considering going through the journey of parenthood, you might want to check out resources on home insemination, like this one from Make a Mom or Resolve, which offer valuable insights into family building options.