When my partner and I were in our “not quite ready for kids” phase, we had an abundance of pets—four cats and two dogs to be exact. And let me tell you, that’s a handful! While it was a ton of fun, it was also a significant commitment in terms of time and finances. However, I can confidently say that adding a dog to the family can be a sanity-saving decision. If you’re a parent and you’re still dog-less, I urge you to consider bringing one home. Just one dog will suffice—no need to go overboard!
Concerned about the additional responsibilities? Unsure if you’re cut out for dog ownership? Or perhaps you’re more of a cat person? Trust me when I say that a dog can simplify your life in unimaginable ways. From personal experience, here are eight compelling reasons why every family should have a dog.
1. Reliable Company During Feedings
When you’re busy feeding your baby, a dog can be the perfect companion. They’ll happily lie at your feet during nursing or bottle-feeding sessions—even those late-night ones. In fact, my pup, Bella, would nudge me gently when it was time to attend to the baby’s needs.
2. Daily Exercise Encouraged
Dogs require regular exercise, which means you’ll be encouraged to take daily walks. Not only does this benefit your furry friend, but it’s also a great way to get some fresh air and exercise for both you and your little one, helping to lift your spirits and get you back in shape.
3. No Judgment Zone
Feeling overwhelmed and reaching for that extra glass of wine? Dogs won’t pass judgment or question your choices. Instead, they’ll happily clean up any crumbs from those cookies you indulged in while finding comfort.
4. Built-in Diaper Alert System
When your dog starts sniffing around the baby’s diaper area, you know it’s time for a change. Forget the need to check yourself; your dog has got you covered (though you might want to watch out for the occasional nibble on the diaper!).
5. Unconditional Love
One of the best things about dogs is their genuine appreciation for your affection. Unlike little humans, who can sometimes be demanding and fussy, a dog will thrive on every bit of love you give them.
6. Mess Clean-Up Crew
Spilled milk or baby spit-up? Dogs are nature’s clean-up crew! They don’t discriminate between breast milk or formula and will happily take care of the mess for you. And if you have cats, your dog might even tackle the occasional cat puke.
7. Odor Detection Expert
If you’re ever puzzled by a mysterious smell in the house, let your dog investigate. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and will sniff out the source quickly, eliminating the need for you to crawl around searching for it.
8. The High-Chair Helper
Feeding babies solid foods can be chaotic—food goes everywhere! This is where a dog truly shines. They will manage to clean up the aftermath of every meal, allowing you to skip the scrubbing and go straight for that much-deserved glass of wine.
In short, adding a dog to your family can bring joy, assistance, and companionship in ways you may not have imagined. If you’re interested in exploring your options further, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination or visit Make a Mom for more information on at-home insemination kits.
So, if you’re ready to enhance your family dynamic, consider welcoming a four-legged friend into your home. Trust me, you won’t regret it!