Before becoming a dog mom or dad, you may look at someone pushing their Pomeranian in a stroller and think, “Cute, but crazy.” You may see a girl at the beach with paw print tattoos and think, “That’s sweet, but I’d never do it.” You may roll your eyes whenever your friend or family member shows you photos of their dog niece, nephew or child. You just haven’t been able to relate yet, but oh how the tables turn… when you enter puppy parenthood.

Your life definitely changes in a lot of ways, but I’ll try to narrow it down to a few:

1. Your camera roll will never be the same

Do you have any hobbies anymore? Do you have friends anymore? Does it even matter because you have the cutest dog in the world? This change happens on day number one of dog ownership. As you can see, I took saving images of my dog one step further and painted her portrait.

2. You suddenly know the pains of parenthood

In the first weeks – or even months – of puppy parenthood, you can relate to potty training woes, sleepless nights, not being able to get a moment to yourself and more. I’ve actually smuggled my puppy wrapped like a baby into public areas because I didn’t want to leave her alone. And yes, I would do it again.

3. Your dog’s comfort is always valued above your own

Admit it, you’ve debated going somewhere because your dog is asleep on you and you can’t just bear to move. You’ve also probably gotten cramps, back pain, neck pain, etc, from holding an uncomfortable position to keep your pup pleased, which brings me to my next point…

4. When you let your dog in your bed “just for tonight,” you knew it was a lie

You have your sleeping positions set in stone (my dog is always little spoon) – and you’re used to getting pushed around the bed, getting a surprise paw to the face or being woken up with a lick.

5. And if your significant other doesn’t want the dog in the bed, you don’t want your significant other in the bed

The most important rule in your household.

6. You wonder how your dog is doing throughout the day

They do have dog webcams – even ones that dispense treats so you can force your dog to “acknowledge” you, staring at them from afar, wishing you were home to see their furry face.

7. You also consider deeper questions, like, “does my dog know how much I love her?”

You really, really hope she understands.

8. “Wait, if I go on vacation, is my dog going to think I left her forever?”

It’s already heart wrenching to see her stare through the window when I leave for work, how can I leave for a week? Does she believe I’ll come back? How is she going to know? Am I a horrible parent?

9. “I STEPPED ON HER PAW, DOES SHE KNOW I’M SORRY?”

Fast forward .5 seconds… Your dog is smiling and clueless while you’re still apologizing and hugging her, begging for forgiveness. All you can do is hope they understand, and since you truly believe they do understand you, at least a little…

10. Your dog becomes one of your best conversation partners

Your walks together are always sprinkled with conversation, and you realize how passersby may think you’re a little odd, but you don’t really care.

11. A tattoo is no longer just a passing thought, it’s a serious possibility (or already a reality)

Whether it’s a paw print or a full portrait, you feel compelled to get something to keep your bud with you forever.

12. Your dog becomes your best friend… duh

No explanation needed.