DOG PARENT

Before I was a Dog Parent: I made and ate hot meals unmolested.
I had unstained, unfurred clothes.
I had quiet conversations on the phone, even if the doorbell rang.

Before I was a Dog Parent:
I slept as late as I wanted
And never worried about how late I got to bed
or if I could get into my bed.

Before I was a Dog Parent:
I cleaned my house every day.
I never tripped over toys, stuffies, and chewies
or invited the neighbor's dog over to play.

Before I was a Dog Parent:
I didn't worry if my plants, cleansers, plastic bags,
toilet paper, soap or deodorant were poisonous or dangerous.

Before I was a Dog Parent:
I had never been peed on
Pooped on
Drooled on
Chewed on
Or pinched by puppy teeth.

Before I was a Dog Parent:
I had complete control of my thoughts,
My body and mind.
I slept all night without sharing the covers or pillow.

Before I was a Dog Parent:
I never looked into big, soulful eyes and cried.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop a hurt.
I never knew something so furry and four-legged
could affect my heart so deeply.

Before I was a Dog Parent:
I had never held a sleeping puppy just because I couldn't put it
down.
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was well.
I didn't know how warm it feels inside to feed a hungry puppy.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so
important.

Before I was a Dog Parent:
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,
the wonderment or the satisfaction of being
A Dog Parent

Author Unknown