There’s nothing quite like the pitter patter of little feet across the hardwood floors in the morning. 7:30 a.m. is the latest my little one will sleep before he jumps on the bed for a full embrace. I hurry up to get ready for the day, making him a fresh breakfast before it’s in the stroller – he’s always fussy with it – and off to grandma’s for the day. He is the only little one me and my husband have, oh, and did I mention he’s a dog? A toy poodle to be specific.
You might be thinking that I need a child, a hobby, or just need to get a life, believe me, I’ve been told, but then again if you’re a small dog owner, you might instead be thinking, me too! Dogs, and especially smaller dogs who are less independent, have a way of making the most sane and non-doting individual into a doggy sweater buying, carry-your-dog-to-work, fresh chicken and rice cooking pet parent.
We’re not alone! The pet parenting phenomenon has taken over more and more households because small dogs fit perfectly with modern living. Young couples who haven’t taken the plunge into parenthood are instead opting to spend their time and money on a fluffy alternative, often with us women choosing the tiniest of pets and the men slowly coming along to the point where they’re the ones holding them at the store – without us asking.
Similarly, small dogs work great for single gals who might be living in space-conscious urban locales and who want to take their pets with them on errands and outings. For empty nesters, a large home can be instantly filled with the love of a little dog, who are easier to manage than larger dogs and who will be more adaptable to later moves to a condo. And even growing families, while you might have your hands and home full, who can resist the plea from your kids for that cute little adoptable pet?
But don’t be fooled, each and every pet parent knows that there are challenges to bringing a small dog into your life, from indoor accidents to daily walks, grooming, cleaning and the way they look at you every time you want to leave, there’s a lot of responsibility. But if you want to hear the pitter patter of little “feet” in the morning without paying for college tuition, it’s worth it!
Spoil your little one at PetSmart.com
Originally posted January 1, 2009
