5 Reasons You Shouldn't Get a Dog.

Let's get real: I could list 5,000 reasons why you should 100%, absolutely, hands down get a dog. Access to endless puppy snuggles is reason enough for me, if we're being honest. Adopting Einstein was the absolute best decision I've ever made. In fact, if it were up to me, everyone would have a dog, and everyone would take appropriate care of their dog. But that's not always the case, is it? 

I've mentioned before that I've had dogs my entire life. Einstein is the first dog I've ever had all on my own, and if we're being honest, I had to adjust my lifestyle a bit. It was difficult for first couple of weeks, but now we've both adjusted to a routine, and I couldn't imagine my life without that little guy. For some, however, the adjustment might not be so easy. If you're debating on getting a dog of your own, keep the following in the front of your mind before committing to a new family member:

1) You're broke. Seriously, getting a dog will do nothing but make this situation even worse. It was $300 for me just to adopt Einstein, not to mention the pet deposit at my apartment complex. On top of that, vet fees (or an emergency vet...youch) will really put a dent in your wallet. A couple of weeks ago, I walked out of a vet appointment with a $40 ear cleaner I didn't even know he needed. But you can't very well say "no, I don't need that." It's like telling your child's doctor to forget the medicine - we'll take our chances on the flu. Nerrrrp. 

2) You can't be bothered to inconvenience yourself. When I'm out and about, whether at work for hours on end, or out drinking for a friend's birthday on a Saturday night, Einstein is (most of the time) home alone. Some days, I want to go to the gym after work, or run errands, or get my nails done. Sometimes I want to stay out all night with my friends (LOL jk I can't stay up past 1 a.m.). With a dog, you can kiss that freedom goodbye. Can you hold your bladder comfortably for 10 hours? No? Well, neither can your pup. 

3) You're never home. Similar to the above. I saw a quote on Pinterest recently; it was read from a dog's perspective, and it said, "You have your work, your friends, your entertainment...I only have you." I don't know why, but it makes me tear up even thinking about the validity this holds. I have my friends, I have my boyfriend, I have things to do that don't include my dog. But what else does he have besides me? Not a whole lot. It's so important to make time for your dog, because you're truly all they have. I try to incorporate Einstein into my every day plans. He's not a house pet; he's a part of my family.

4) You hold grudges. I have a habit of throwing my clothes all over the place - my bed, the couch, the floor. I also have a tendency to leave forgotten dog treats in the pockets. You know who doesn't forget about the dog treats in my pockets? Right. You see where this is going. In the last two and a half months, Einstein has chewed through not one, but two of my favorite sweaters. Like, legitimately tried to suck the treats out of my pockets, thus chewing holes. The first time, I acted like a little kid about it. I ignored him for a good 20 minutes, cold body language, the works. And they know when you're mad. They don't understand why, but they know. And to be honest, it broke my little heart to see him so confused and bummed out. By the second sweater, I decided to stop being a slob and just pick up my clothes. Problem solved. At the end of the day, they're just material things, and he's just a pup who doesn't know any better.

5) You're afraid of commitment. That sweet, cuddly puppy will one day become an actual dog, and that actual dog will more than likely be around for the next 10 to 15 years of your life. That's 10 to 15 years of dog food, vet appointments, hair cuts, boarding, toys, training, emergency vet appointments. It's 10 to 15 years of putting someone else before yourself. And just so we're clear, moving doesn't count as a valid or justified reason to give up your dog. My sister moved from Florida to Eastern freaking Europe and brought not one, not two, but three dogs with her. You made a commitment to your family member. It's your responsibility to keep it.

Reasons you should get a dog:

1. You'll lose weight because all of your food becomes their food. Your dinner is their dinner, your cheese stick is their cheese stick. Calories are cut in half, every time.
2. They'll never judge you for watching Netflix all day with no pants on, and they'll never try to steal the remote.
3. No one will ever love you as much as your dog loves you. Ever.
4. TOO MANY REASONS TO LIST.