I've been a dog owner for just about a year now, and it's been a very interesting experience. Growing up, I always had cats. They're self-sufficient, standoffish and in charge. They take what they want, when they want it. Sometimes they snuggle with you; other times they toy with you, attacking your fingers and toes for their amusement. Dogs are very different.

As soon as I had a house with a yard, I felt like I needed a puppy. There was no rational reason for this. I just wanted a puppy. They're cute and affectionate and cute. So, I went to the shelter.

I should NEVER set foot in a shelter. I will, in fact, bring something home with me. I wanted a small to medium sized dog, ideally a Scottish terrier or a Beagle. I didn't find any of those. What I did find was a 7 month old female husky/shepherd mix who was cowering in the back of her kennel. One of the shelter employees had to accompany us outside because this dog was very skiddish. So... I, in my infinite wisdom, decided to bring her home with me. Because of the dog's temperament, they did a weekend trial period before finalizing the adoption.

The dog was already potty trained, quiet and didn't want to be touched at all. So, on Monday I adopted her. Three weeks later I received a call from the shelter about her litter mate; there were only two dogs in the litter. Three days after that, I had two pretty big 7 month old puppies. They needed one another, and I maybe needed them. Somehow, I went from no dogs to two dogs in 60 seconds flat with no real understanding of being a dog owner.

The two dogs couldn't be more different. One needs attention 24/7 and the other only want 3 pets on the head in the morning and to sleep at my feet without being touched.

This year, I've learned a great deal about being a dog owner.

1. Puppies will do things that make you 100% regret having a puppy, things like gnaw the leg of your antique rocking chair or pee all over your bed. You'll be angry. You'll cry. You'll think to yourself, Why!?! But, you'll eventually get over it.

2. Your house will never be clean again. On wet days, it'll be muddy. On dry days, it'll be dirty. All days, it'll be hairy. So, it's best if you can handle that fact.

3. Dogs will do gross things like eat frozen mice and then barf them on your pillow. Sometimes they attack baby bunnies that you have to rush to the animal hospital. They think birds are a snack. And, realistically you can't fault them for these things because they're hunters.

4. They require more time, care and attention than cats. But, they also love and trust you implicitly. Unlike cats, they show how thankful they are for love.

5. They are always happy to see you when you get home. They'll want to shower you with affection because they missed you so much. That, and they know you'll probably give them a treat for having been so good.

My dogs can be overwhelming. But, they're also very rewarding. They love walks and playing in the yard. They love naps and trying to be friends with my cat (who spurns their advances, every time). They're persistent. They're sometimes naughty. But, they are so worth the effort.