Puppies are adorable -- with their wagging tails, sweet kisses and happy faces, they are very lovable. Yet behind all the cuteness lies a lot of hard work and responsibility. In many ways, puppies can be like babies. And from experience with my own crazy ball of cuteness (named Mia) I have seen a lot of the similarities. Here's how puppies are just like children.

1. Puppies need a lot of attention.

"Oh, you weren't about to do the dishes were you, Mommy? I wanna play!" You will learn that when you have a puppy, everything else comes second. The dishes will have to wait.

2. Puppies will wake you up when they wake up.

Regardless of how late you worked last night, your dog will be there -- bright eyed and bushy tailed to wake you up. Usually, a slobbery kiss to the face or paw to the eye is their way of saying, "Good morning!"

3. Toys will sometimes cover the floor.

Do they really need all of these toys? Yes, absolutely, yes. And just like a baby, they do not know how to clean up their messes. But it's okay, they're having fun. And isn't that what really matters?

4. Puppies can misbehave, too.

Similar to a child, a puppy also learns what is good and what is bad. Understand that although they know between right and wrong, they will have their moments.

5. Puppies are hyper.

Oh, you thought this was going to be a walk in the park? LOL. Puppies are hyper just like small children. They need a lot of interaction and playtime. And let's not forget the struggle of bath time -- they will resist.

6. Puppies will randomly take naps wherever they fall.

When a puppy is ready for a nap, they will nap.

7. Puppies are expensive.

From puppy pads, food, vet bills, toys, treats -- the money adds up. But their adorable face makes up for it all.

8. Just like babies, puppies allow you to become very familiar with poop!

Ah, yes, let's not forget the dreadful puppy training phase. And even after they are trained, they will still have accidents. Or worse, eat something that upsets their tummies -- better grab the shampoo!

9. Puppies just want to be next to us.

Puppies really just want to be as close to you as they can. They make the perfect cuddle buddies.

10. It's hard work, but worth it.

At the end of the day, owning a puppy is a lot of hard work. But it's worth it. Especially when you realize it's a small price to pay for unconditional love.

P.S. This last picture is of my beautiful little girl Mia on the day I adopted her.