By: Katie Borders

National/World Editor

As a long-time animal lover, having two dogs join my family was nothing short of exciting. I have always loved animals and that did not stop when my two dogs (let’s call them Fur-ball One and Furball Two) joined my family. I foresaw myself doing a lot of tasks and activities with my dogs, from taking them on their morning and evening walks and bathroom breaks to having to listen to the incessant sound of a toy squeaker three inches away from my ear while studying. However, what I did not see myself doing was the cheesiest, most cringeworthy (but let’s face it, heartwarming) things that most dog owners do for their pets.

As a dog owner for seven years and counting, I can now say with no shame that I am that dog guardian who gets excited about the prospect of putting on my dogs’ checkered blue and white vests to keep them warm on walks. During the holidays, my family and I will whip out the matching pajama sets for our two dogs, taking various pictures from different angles, like a photo shoot for our furballs. 

I will admit with only a slight tinge of embarrassment that my camera feed is a blur and flurry of my two dogs’ teddy-bear looking faces, and I always have my phone in hand to make sure to catch all of the adorable moments, which in the case of both dogs, appears to be 24/7. 

I like to believe that Fur-ball One and Furball Two can understand me on an intelligent level, and their blank stares never stop me from talking to them throughout the day as if I will receive a reply. More often than not, the responses I receive from them range from playful pounces with a toy in mouth or a flip onto their backs for belly rubs. 

Additionally, whenever I pass by the couch, more often than not occupied by at least one dog, I make sure there is a fluffy blanket near them so that they can lie down comfortably. I have noticed, after much thorough and careful observation, that my dogs prefer fluffy blankets over regular blankets, so when I am at Target and pass by the decoration and bedding aisles, I always find myself tempted to buy yet another unnecessary fluffy blanket, with my two dogs in mind. As a dog parent, I also never eat a meal at home without sharing my food with my dogs if I can help it. The pitter-patter of their hurried steps down the stairs to the kitchen when they hear me unwrap a stick of string cheese always makes me roll my eyes and laugh. Being a dog owner never ceases to make me smile, and it is always funny to think about the cheesy and over-the-top things I do for or with my two dogs.