20 Reasons Why I Got A New Dog

1.   I temporarily lost my mind.

2.   My last child is leaving for college, so I needed another baby in the house.

3.   I like my guests to have their crotch sniffed when they enter my home.

4.   I get to buy the latest most up-to-date vacuum every year.

5.   At least I get outside….As I stand in the bitter cold waiting for her to pee.

6.   I can dress her in last year’s clothing styles, and she won’t complain.

7.   She will eat whatever I cook.

8.   The saliva on my window creates a privacy screen.

9.    I have an escort to the bathroom.

10.  I have an escort when I leave the bathroom.

11.  Who needs water to wash my face.

12.  When I’m bored, I can always pluck dog hairs off the couch.

13.  I always know when my mail has arrived.

14.  When it is thundering and lightening, I have company when I’m hiding under the table.

15.  She’s the only person in the house who will listen to my commands. 

16.  I no longer need to buy fertilizer for the lawn.

17.  When I’m not home, the neighbors get to hear a beautiful serenade.

18.  I can tell the dog my innermost secrets and she won’t tell anyone.

19.  I have a singing partner when I’m singing the barking dog jingle bells song.

20.  She loves to have her picture taken just as much as I do………;)

I hope you appreciate my humor.  My new dog’s name is Abbey.  She is five months old and is part Australian Shepherd and part Labrador Retriever.  We adopted her from an animal shelter in Nassau County, New York.  The shelter, North Shore Animal League, is a “no kill” facility.  My dog was brought in as a puppy, adopted and returned.  The owners said she was too much to take care of and they didn’t have the time.  Why adopt a puppy?...Duh!!

I’ve been asked by so many friend and family members why I adopted another dog since I was adamant the past two years that I didn’t want another one. (My dog, Duke, died two years ago at the age of 11).  Here is why……  A home does not feel like a home without a pet.  Pets add warmth, fun, and unconditional love to your home.  Did you know that your pet’s love can balance your emotions.  For instance, a dog that licks you with affection or waits patiently for you to come home can flood your body with pleasure hormones.  A study recently published states that if you just watch a dog play for 15 minutes a day, you can dramatically lower your stress levels.   When you watch your pet play, that can trigger feelings of love and joy in you.  In addition, animals connect you to nature.  You must go outside to play with them, walk them, watch or keep an eye on them.  When I grew up, I remember watching my cat in the backyard, who just sat on the picnic table for hours and hours.  Yes, pets can be a pain to take care of, but they are ultimately worth it because of the joy and enrichment they bring to life. 

UMMMM.....  MAYBE I SPOKE TOO SOON