This weekend my students’ hard work paid off as they got to host the dog adoption event they have been planning for the last few months. As I watched families walk away with a new dog, I looked back on when each of my two dogs were welcomed into my home. My dogs are some of my favorite people. I have learned a lot in the last 10 years with these pups.

1. Don't trust a dog to watch your food.

Seriously. Don't blink. Even though my dogs knows better than to steal my food, they have taken to sneakily taking a quick lick - like I wouldn't notice your face all up in my food!

2. You will always (sometimes) have someone to cuddle.

Now whether or not you forced the cuddles to happen, a snuggle is a snuggle.

3. You can teach an old dog new tricks.

If you have adopted an older dog (bless your heart), just know that it’s possible. It takes time but with love and patience (and treats!) I've seen my older pups learn a few new tricks. They may not be as fancy or difficult as some of the other tricks they know or they might replace some of those hard tricks your older dog can't do anymore (like rolling over, poor pup) but they are still new!

4. Puppies have all of the energy you wish you did.

Don't underestimate the energy that a puppy can have. They can run around in circles for an hour and still want to play. To them, life is all fun and games - throwing toys and chasing tails. Don't we wish we could get back to those days ourselves? All I can suggest is learn to enjoy long walks and store up your patience when training.

5. Yes, your dog does speak English.

Okay, so not necessarily English. But dogs can recognize like 200 words, whatever language it is that you speak to them in. You will quickly learn that to be careful when you say the word ‘walk.’ Or in the case of my dogs, “shower” sends them hiding.

6. Dogs and kids are a fun and fearful mix.

A dog can love kids and a kid can love dogs. Hey, your puppy can tire out your kid for nap time and vice versa! But having a kid with a dog can be stressful. Sometimes dogs don't have patience for the little hands grabbing at them or a kid accidentally goes from petting to hitting. It's important to model to children how to properly interact with a dog and to know your dog's limits before letting them play with kids

Having a dog has brought so much joy to my life and taught me a lot about myself in the process.