Though it may sound crazy, I cannot even begin to express how fun it is to be a mom to my four-legged child.

Maybe fun isn’t the right word though. It’s more of an experience and an adventure all in itself. Deciding to get a puppy was honestly kind of a spur of the moment decision but one that I was 100% sure about.

Growing up with a black lab made it easy for me to decide that I also wanted one. Though I didn’t exactly get what I was expecting.

Most female labs range from 60lbs to 75lbs and they’re usually considered to be large dogs. Of course, I got the runt of the litter who is a whopping 55lbs and is considered “medium” in size but very small for a lab.

When Shiloh began to grow, oh so slowly, I freaked. Calls to the vet became a regular thing as well as frequent checkups. Why is my dog not growing? Why is she not gaining weight? I legit became THAT dog mom who overreacted. But, turns out, it was a huge blessing in disguise.

After learning she was healthy and happy as could be, I began to realize how much fun it was to have a “mini” Labrador.

She fits in the front seat of my car. I can still pick her up. She doesn’t completely crush me when she lays on top of me. Honestly, it’s the most adorable, confusing thing ever. As is her personality.

Shiloh was the runt of the litter, which made her incredibly shy and timid as a puppy. I picked her out with the thought and hopes that she would be a calm, relaxed, laid back dog and that her “puppy stage” wouldn’t really be too much of a challenge.

I was wrong.

At her whopping 55lbs, this kid has got some energy. Let me tell you.

From 6 am when she gets the paper until about 10 pm when she FINALLY goes to bed, I have wild one-year-old chasing balls and eating any food she can find. Fortunately for me, she does have an amazing personality, although not the calm and relaxed that I was expecting.

Life as a dog mom has been a very time-consuming endeavor and an expensive one as well, but I can easily say I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Having a pup to wake up to every morning and to drag everywhere you go makes life so much more cheerful. And of course, cuddles every night are a must.

The biggest thing to think about, if you’re thinking about getting a pup, is definitely the time and expense though.

Because I had grown up with an energetic lab I had an idea of what it would be like but for many, it’s a thought that’s on the back burner. Being in college, taking 5 classes, and working a full-time job is time-consuming in itself. Throw a furry kid in there and your time to yourself becomes limited to none. Thankfully, Shiloh enjoys mini vacations to friends houses and is very good traveling.

Having a pup for the past 14 months has been an adventure, but an experience that has made my days much brighter.