My Dog = My Baby

I told my husband "if I am not pregnant within a year of marriage we will get a dog" and sure enough that one year rolled around and Chester my Miniature Golden Doodle wagged his way into my life. We got him from a breeder in the outskirts of town and he's brought us so much joy. I would do anything for this dog because he senses my insecurities and sits by my feet when watching television, he crawls into my bed to make sure he gets his cuddles in. You may laugh at the thought of my dog being my baby, but he is. I have a parenting backpack for him that I carry around, I have his wipes in there, his favorite ball to play with when we are the dog park, extra poop bags, his water bottle and his little snack pack to motivate him whilst training him. Yes, I am a proud dog mom. My husband and I are still training the little fellow to do what he is told, even though at the end of the day he is a dog and he will do what he wants.

The first months were rough letting him out to pee with a leash every time, then when I thought he understood how to do it, there would be accidents on the floor and I would be going through many paper towels. teaching him tricks was so easy from sit to dance, he is very teachable and I think it is because of the breed he comes from a Golden Retriever and Poodle. My husband would come home on lunch breaks to let him outside, but eventually he learned to hold it in until we got home. It took much longer than other doodle owners to train him to potty. Dancing was easy, sitting was easy. Wait! was easy again. Some things just take a little longer to learn.

I am very fond of him, he is the first person to say hello to at the door, with his tail wagging back and forth, that alone just brings so much joy at the end of a long shift. He can be very goofy and pounce on the ball after I throw it. He sometimes talks back when I have had enough of throwing his favourite toy across the living room. He cuddles in the mornings when we get lazy, and every time I go to bed to read or scroll on my phone he is right there with me acting like a shadow.

Dogs are actually very healthy to own because they reduce the risk of heart attacks, lower blood pressure, improvement of physical activity, reduces stress and most of all social interaction.

As someone who identifies as an introvert I love having my best friend Chester around, he motivates me to get out of the house, get exercise and get fresh air during the winter seasons, where I tend to fall into depression. Daily walks even a short one around the block already lifts my spirits. When petting a dog it releases levels of oxytocin, which is the hormone that makes you feel happiness. Chester has an intuitive sense, if someone is crying he will come up to you and check if you are okay. I love him for that reason, you don't need to ask for a hug he just knows you need it. A dog's love is unconditional and he will be there for you when you need it.

Spending time with your dog, even just on the couch or playing with them lowers anxiety. Studies have shown that petting a dog can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Dogs provide emotional support simply through their presence in your house, even if they are a shadow that follows you. Dogs offer companionship, routine, and emotional connection that can make a major difference. Unlike human relationships, dogs don’t judge or criticize (unless if you own a doodle). That side eye- Chester mastered at a very young age.

Loneliness has become a growing public health concern, especially among older adults and people who live alone. Their consistent affection can provide emotional stability and reduce feelings of isolation as some people prefer to talk to their dogs, but owning a dog can also increase social interaction. Dog owners often meet and connect with others during walks, at parks, or through pet-related activities- I cannot tell you how many times I've met the same people at the dog park. Then, they help create a stronger sense of community for example there is even a dog park group on Facebook that I joined.

I will be fur-ever grateful for my dog. (Sorry about the pun it was yelling at me to put it in).

If anything were to happen to him, I know I would be devastated. He's my little boy that I have had since puppyhood. I know what you're thinking "Why did you not get a rescue?'

-because my husband is allergic and Chester is an F1B which means that he has more poodle in him, which is what causes him to be more hypoallergenic and also I wanted a dog with no previous trauma as then it's hard for certain dogs to be well socialized if they had a rough or ruff childhood (again sorry not sorry).

I am a mom. I am a dog mom.