As a Dog Mom (or Dog Dad), you know that having a dog in your life is extremely similar to (if not better than) being the parent of a child. You pamper your pooch, buy them lots of treats and toys, and brag about them in the same ways a proud parent might brag about their child's successes. Here are some signs that you're probably a Dog Mom (or Dad).
1. You introduce your dog to people as "your baby."
Where other people your age may be having children (shudder), you have an exceptional dog and would like the whole world to know.
2. You baby-talk to your dog.
You have a special tone of voice reserved for speaking to (or about) your dog, similar to the way some people talk to infants.
3. Every time you go to the store, you can't help but pick a little something up for your dog.
"Oh, my god. They sell treats here. Rover loves treats!" So, you go ahead and pick up a few treats/toys. Your dog's reaction when you bring your new purchase(s) home is worth every penny!
4. You hate leaving them alone.
Just as you are about to leave your house, your dog gives you this look and shatters your heart into a million tiny fragments. How can you possibly leave them behind for even an hour?!
5. You bring them with you to as many places as possible.
You are very familiar with every "dog friendly" part of your town. Dog friendly restaurants, parks, and maybe even shopping areas are your favorite places to be because you know that your furry sidekick will be able to tag along.
6. No matter what anyone says, you are convinced that your dog is The Best Smartest Cutest Dog in the Entire World.
You can't argue with cold, hard facts, Martha.
7. You take aggressive amounts of pictures of them.
IF THEY WEREN'T SO GOSH DARN CUTE, YOU WOULDN'T HAVE TO TAKE ALL OF THESE PICTURES, BUT HERE WE ARE.
8. You play "dress up."
Maybe for Halloween, or maybe just for fun, you enjoy dressing your pooch in ridiculouscute costumes. Again, similar to dressing a human baby, but way more fun.
9. You let your dog take up all of the space on your bed (even though you're really tired).
"Hey, buddy, could you move over just a little bit? No? Okay, thanks anyway."
10. You refer to your dog in casual conversation by their first name.
People who haven't met your dog might even assume that you have a young child in your household. Instead of referring to them as "my dog," you say, "Sorry, but I have to go home and feed Scooby at six."
11. You like to spend time with your dog more than with people.
Sorry, Brenda, but my dog is just way better company than you.
12. You celebrate your dog's birthday.
You make a huge celebration out of your dog's birthday. You shower them with treats, new toys, and maybe even a birthday cake. "No, I can't hang out today. It's my dog's birthday!"