If you know me, then you know I absolutely love my dog, Lillie. Ever since the day she was born, she has been my sweet baby girl. I seriously couldn’t imagine life without her. So, as many mamas like to do, I decided to share the birth story of Lillie with you!
When my parents first bred Buttercup (Lillie’s mom), I told myself over and over again that I wouldn’t keep a puppy. Isaac and I were engaged, and I was about to start my first year of teaching. We didn’t want to add the stress of having a dog on top of all of that. But everything changed one fateful Tuesday evening. Buttercup went into labor, and neither of my parents were home. And, of course, all of my younger siblings started freaking out, because they had no idea what to do. So I stepped in and helped Buttercup out. Y’all… she had TEN PUPPIES. That’s one super mama!
Each puppy came out healthy, pudgy and ready to eat until the seventh one. She was half the size of the others, and you could see every bone in her little body. My heart instantly broke for her. I made sure she was able to attach and eat, but the pup was so weak, she couldn’t keep her head up. For the rest of the night I kept my eye on her, and kept checking to make sure she was okay. I decided to name her Lillie, in honor of a puppy I had for just a few short days when I was little. Lillie was the runt of the litter, and for weeks was half the size of her eight siblings. It was so hard seeing her struggle every day to live, but she survived!
After pouring all my love into this precious puppy, I soon realized that I couldn’t let her go. I couldn’t see Lillie go to another family, and I knew it would break my heart if I had to say goodbye. So, after a lot of talking, research and negotiating, Isaac and I decided to keep her. And it was one of the best decisions we ever made! Lillie has brought so much joy into our lives, and I love snuggling with her after a long day at school. She has such a quirky personality, so much energy, and I wouldn’t ask for anything different.
Being a dog mom has been so much fun, and over the past year I have learned a lot, which I am sharing with you today. I hope you enjoy my five reasons why I love being a dog mom!
Five Reasons Why I Love Being a Dog Mom
- You can show everyone pictures of your dog when they pull out pictures of their kids
Trust me, you look super cool when you do this. And it helps you fit in with the crowd of “real” moms. - You have an excuse to get out of things
I won’t lie. I have used the good ‘ole “Sorry, but we have to go let Lillie out” to get out of something. I’m not proud of it, but it works. - It keeps you on your toes
You always have to be on the alert, because you never know when it will be the perfect photo op. Evenings in our house tend to go something like “Quick, get your phone out! Lillie’s playing with her toy!” or “Psst” *nods head over to Lillie who’s simultaneously snoring and running in her sleep*. - You have lots of inside jokes
And for some reason, when you try to explain why you keep saying “Awww Lillie would love this” when she’s not with you, people just don’t understand. - You can talk to yourself without sounding crazy
Because I’m actually not talking to myself! I’m talking to Lillie. And I swear she understands me.
Are you a dog mom? If you are, what would you add to the list?
What a sweet story. Love that you took care of her from day 1. I love #2 and use it regularly.
I would add that dogs make great Christmas card photo props. Lol
YES!! I can’t wait to take some Christmas pictures with Lillie soon. And I’m glad I’m not the only one who uses my dogs to get out of things ;)
Having dogs>>having kids #amiright?! I can’t wait to move out of our Townhouse so we can have a dog of our own. P.S. your dog is such a model! Lovely photos.
Hahaha my husband and I joke that we’ll never have a kid as good as Lillie. And thank you!! She is such a great model.
This is such a cute story! What a beautiful pup. I love being a #dogmom too. My dogs are seriously my babies.
Xoxo
Thank you so much! I am SUCH dog person, it’s not even funny haha.
In this house, our dogs are our best friends. My boys love that they don’t tell their secrets and I love the love, comfort and loyalty they bring to the family. Isn’t is something special when a dog just belongs in the family!?
That is seriously the sweetest! I love the relationship between children and their dogs. And I can’t imagine my family without a dog- they are just as big a part of our family as any other member!
Love this! I constantly talk to my Chihuahua Carlo. It’s rather cathartic, isn’t it? And so nice of him to always agree with me. In a house with two teens, I need the dog on my side. :)
AMEN! I love that dogs love us unconditionally, even when we yap their ears off with our troubles. ;)
How sweet!!! Lillie is adorable! I am a dog mom to two very entertaining dogs (boudin & peanut). They always have my boyfriend and I laughing. Their personalities are so funny. I swear if they were humans, we would be in trouble. I would not trade them for the world though.
Thank you Mistle! Dogs’ personalities are my favorite, and your dogs sound like so much fun!
Your pup is so cute! I love being a dog mama and yes, I love showing people photos of my dog! :)
Thank you Lecy! I’m glad I’m not the only proud dog mom out there haha. ;)
I love/hate the forced exercise ;)
Hahaha We have definitely gone on many more walks and runs because of her. And your dogs are THE CUTEST.
I have never owned a dog! crazy I know!
Not crazy! I know a lot of people who don’t want pets. Besides, you have a little one of the way, and I think that’s way more important!
Being a dog mom is the best! We just got our second dog this summer and I’ve turned into a crazy dog mom. Your golden is ADORABLE!
No shame on the crazy dog mom. We all need each other ;) And thank you!! She is precious.
I love this so much! I love being a dog mom too – pups are just the best!
I agree!! Dogs are my favorite.
My first child was a dog also. My husband was in medical school and our dog was my best friend when he was away doing his overnight rotations in the hospital. Your puppy is SOOOO cute. After 25 years of marriage and 3 human kids, we still have a dog. Can’t imagine not having a furry friend around the house.
That’s one of the main reasons we got a dog! I knew I would hate being alone while Isaac worked late or had night classes. I couldn’t imagine not having a dog either! They are the best. :)
I loved reading her birth story! And look at what a cute puppy she was. She’s still cute now, of course.
I have a dog and she is the best! I loved all of the things you included on your list.
Aw thanks Crystal!! She was seriously ADORABLE, I’ll be the first to admit that. ;)
Aw, what a beautiful story. We rescued a little puppy almost a year ago and I can’t tell you how much I love her. She is such a mischievous little rascal who brings so much joy to our life. Thanks for sharing this cute story!
I love rescue pups! We would have gotten one if my parents hadn’t bred their dog. My favorite dogs we had growing up were the ones that we rescued.
Aww that stinks!! Having a dog is the best. And it’s definitely worth the wait! You’ll love being a dog mom.
Aww that’s SO sweet! Being a dog mom is so rewarding, isn’t it?