Motherhood is hard. Wait, LIFE is hard. But the best part is we’re all in it together. Join me as we find our zen in the middle of parenthood, marriage, extended family, volunteering, and just generally enjoying our time here in Lake County.
Note that all opinions belong to me and only me and are not a reflection of our advertisers, partners, or other writers.
Creating my own Zen
We recently adopted a puppy, and I fully admit it’s not the same thing as becoming a new parent, but there were some humorous similarities. If you’re thinking of getting your first pet, I encourage you to think long and hard about it. It’s a big responsibility (a wonderful responsibility), and then jump in and ENJOY every minute!
14 Ways Puppies are Similar to Babies
- Prepare to baby-proof your house again (put the toilet seat down, clean up food and drinks immediately, pick up Legos and Nerf bullets before they’re eaten).
- Get used to random noises and things following you around right by your feet and tripping you unexpectedly.
- The most relaxing time of day is when everyone is asleep, and you can take a deep breath and read a book or watch a show in peace.
- You pay more attention to the weather; it seems to rain and storm much more than I ever realized right around bedtime.
- The days are long, but the years are short. We have sent one dog over the rainbow bridge (if you haven’t read the poem, Google it and have a tissue handy), so I know he won’t be around forever, and he is part of the family. When you get home from work, your children run and hug you; the dog does the same thing.
- You take a closer look at the neighborhood, thinking, “what if my puppy got loose?” Similar to: “Is this where I want to raise my kids?”
- You’ll need to coordinate the logistics of showering again. What to do with the puppy when no one else is awake? Crate him? Hope for the best?
- Cleaning up poop (and being concerned about how much or how little something else is pooping).
- Waking up early and in the middle of the night with a puppy wanting to play (only for a few weeks, this phase is quick!)
- Measuring food and washing your hands obsessively.
- You get unsolicited advice from people you hardly know while you’re walking your dog or taking him on an adventure (crate training, potty training, organic food, what vet to use, doggie daycare, dog parks, etc…)
- You’ll become friends with new neighbors who walk their dogs at all hours of the day like you.
- You have to find time to take something else to the doctor/veterinarian.
- Great photo opportunities!
But the most wonderful part is experiencing things for the first time through your puppy’s eyes: playing in the leaves or snow, smelling something new, jumping around just because. Watching a puppy makes you stop, slow down and enjoy life. And isn’t that we should all do more of?
What is ASPCA?
ASPCA stands for The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It was the first humane society to be established in North America (in 1866) on the belief that animals are entitled to kind and respectful treatment at the hands of humans, and must be protected under the law. ASPCA is a privately funded 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.
How can you help support National Kids and Pets Day ASPCA partnership?
Donate money, towels, newspapers or dog food to local shelters some of which include:
- Save-A-Pet
- Lamb’s Farm
- Placing Paws
- Waukegan Animals Getting Saved
If your family is ready you can click here to find a pet to adopt in Lake County!
Cheryl is an aspiring writer from Mundelein. You can now follow her on her author journey on Amazon.
Get a copy of her first book, Letter’s to my Children, available on Kindle now.
This was a great list!! Keeping handy as to why my family is NOT ready for a dog yet!! 🙂