Everybody knows parenthood changes your life, but us dog and cat owners know that pet parenthood has a big impact...
Your canine and feline companions become so much more than just animals who live in the house; they are a part of your family and you find yourself feeling and acting differently as their presence turns you pet-obsessed.
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1. PET SNAPS FILL YOUR PHONE
Once upon a time you took photos of family, friends, holidays, and your Insta-worthy meals.
Now your whiskered pal is your only muse, with pictures of them in all manner of adorable poses (sleeping, playing, doing that cute thing with their ears) filling up space on your phone.
2. YOUR CAT OR DOG’S DAILY ROUTINE = YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
Say bye to those weekend lie-ins and commitment-free evenings. The moment you add a four-legged friend to the family you get a new timetable.
That alarm clock you used to rely on has been replaced by an early morning visit by your pet, with meowing or door scratching until you jump out of bed.
Your dogs and cats will never forget a mealtime either. Right on cue, they’ll appear at your feet, demanding for their food bowls to be filled. Don’t think they won’t notice if you’re late!
3. SEPARATION ANXIETY
You’d heard about dogs who pine for their owner while they are out of the house, but it wasn’t until you became a fur parent that you found out the separation anxiety is just as bad for humans.
Days at work are spent daydreaming about what your pet’s getting up to and how much they miss you, and a dog-friendly staycation now beats a getaway abroad when it comes to where to holiday.
4. EVERY SPECIAL OCCASION INVOLVES YOUR PET
Birthdays (yours and theirs). Christmas. Halloween. If it’s good enough for humans to celebrate, it’s good enough for your pet to celebrate.
From a cat-friendly birthday cake, to a Christmas jumper for your pooch, you find a way to make them a part of all the important days on your calendar.
5. YOU HAVE PROUD PET PARENT MOMENTS
Using their litter tray for the first time, purr-fecting a super cute pose for photos, playing nicely with a fellow pooch - these moments and so many more fill you with pride, because isn’t your pet the smartest/sweetest/friendliest animal ever?!
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