Pet people are weird, but it's who we are

I was going to write a post tonight about my New Year's Resolutions for 2013, but something has been stuck in my head all day and honestly, I need to get this out of my system.

Those of you who know me know that I have this amazing 8 year old pup named Dakota (a mutt, actually).

Being single and having lived alone for awhile, Dakota is like my kid. She is who I come home to and who I take care of. In return, she loves me unconditionally (probably just a little bit more when I have food) and keeps me warm in the winter. She has all those quirks that only her person would love (don't touch her feet!).

It makes me incredibly angry when others belittle how pet owners feel about their pets. Especially when we unexpectedly have to deal with the possibility of losing a member of the family. I know when the time comes, no matter how old she may be, I will be a wreck when Dakota leaves this life.

I guess only pet people might understand this. But our pets are a huge part of our family. Especially when they are all we have at times. They are living, breathing, have medical needs and psychological needs. They are an extension of us, just like our human family (and sometimes, even more so). 

I will never feel bad about how I treat my dog. She's listened to me complain, cry, laugh. She's dealt with me sleeping in, even when she's ready to get up. She's handled hours on end when I've been gone and she still loves me. I make sure she has food, water, treats, a warm place to sleep and lots of love. She has plenty of bones to chew and Greenies to look forward to. 

I don't know that I ever understood how much a part of my life she would be when I adopted her from the pound, but it's been worth every cent I've spent on her over the years. She is my family.