Paw-rent to Bear: How becoming a dog mum changed my life!
My love for dogs and all things cuddly!
Let’s start with my mum because she is the reason I get a warm and fuzzy feeling every time I see a fur baby strolling past. My mum has the biggest heart and has always wanted to help animals from a very young age. She always grew up with cats and dogs and tells me stories about them as if they were her siblings. Mum knew the importance of having pets in the house so we never had an empty home growing up! I will always remember the day mum brought home our first Shih tzu called Sasha.
My brother and I were told to sit in the living room on the carpet and keep our eyes closed, in walks Granda Robert with a big cardboard box and he told us to reach inside. We both screamed with excitement when we felt a little warm ball of fluff wriggling around at the bottom of the box. She was the cutest little thing and made us feel so complete. From that moment, I knew the magic pets bring into our lives. Fast forward to a few years ago, when I decided to bring a tiny little, runt of the litter, Pomeranian into my life.
How Bear came into my life!
Enter Bear the Pom, my little furball of joy. Bear is more than just a pet to me he’s my my little shadow, and my daily dose of happiness. His presence literally fills my home with warmth and laughter.
I cannot even begin to explain the incredible impact Bear had on my mental health. After a stressful day, nothing compares to that feeling of coming home to find him so excited to see me. Sometimes I leave the house for 30 minutes and get the same excitable reaction as if I was gone 5 hours.
His unconditional love and constant cuddles have helped reduce my anxiety and stress levels significantly. Simply petting him or watching him play can turn my day around. Something that took me by surprise was how the structure and routine of taking care of Bear also gave me a sense of purpose and stability.
Benefits of Bear
One of the unexpected benefits of having a dog has been the new social connections I’ve made. Walking him around Xlendi or taking him for coffee in Victoria with me has led to meeting other pet owners and forming new friendships. There’s a unique bond among pet owners, and Bear has introduced me to such a friendly community. Yes, I am the person who mentions their dog every chance they get!
Bear has definitely taught me some valuable lessons like responsibility and unconditional love. His well-being literally depends on me, and this responsibility has made me more disciplined. I’ve learned to appreciate the simple joys in life and the beauty of unconditional love.
My husband never wanted us to get a dog as he felt that the responsibility would be too much since we love to travel a lot. But our priorities are slowing changing as we are in our early thirties and there is nothing we look forward to more than being at home with Bear!
Conclusion
Bringing Bear into our family in my late 20s when I felt rather lost was without a doubt one of the best decisions I could of made. Transitioning into your 30s is not easy and I am lucky to of had this fluffy companion by my side!
Now at 31, I know my goals for the future, I am more balanced, happier and healthier than ever.
If you are considering bringing a pet into your life and have the time and love to share with them, take the leap – they might just be the best thing to happen to you yet!