Dogs are just like babies | RSPCA and MORE TH>N | Lifestyle

If you keep up to date with instagram or twitter, then you'll have spotted (pun not intended) my lovely Dalmatian, Roley. He is the biggest diva I know, a total cheeky chappy and always entertaining. If you have a dog, then you'll know all too well how it's basically like having a (very hairy) child. I'm one of those softies who prefer animals to humans, so having a four-legged furry baby is definitely my kind of a family. Animals are close to my heart, as are any charity that helps animals out. So, when I was given the opportunity to chat about my pup and get involved with RSPCA's #PawHumour campaign, I was incapable of saying no.

So, let's take a look at some of the reasons why I think having a dog is just like having a child:

1. He's just as precious as a little baby
I probably mollycoddle my dog a little bit too much. He gets constant cuddles and is a truly pampered pooch. Oh and let's not forget the baby voice. Y'know that high-pitched, excitable, sickly voice that unknowingly will escape out of your mouth before you have chance to stop yourself. Yeah, that one. I even refer to him as my baby when talking to or about him. So, I'll just apologise now if I ever start talking to you about my dog in such a way that you begin to believe I actually have a child, not a dog. In those moments, feel free to eye-roll. I whole heartedly admit to being a crazy animal lady. Though sometimes, like any proud mother hen, I need a gentle nudge to tone it down a little and stop singing the praises of my four-legged baby.

2. He likes playing out with his friends
He'll spend his evenings sulking until he gets to go out and play with the other doggies. Actually, sulking is a slight understatement. Like a terrible teenager, he will scream the house down with his demanding cries until he gets to go out and play. I've learnt to never to say the words 'What do you want?'. Unless I want to be faced with a hysterical pooch, running round the house frantically until I pick up the lead and take him out. Other times, I'll stupidly ask him what he wants and in response have a hysterical dog, running round the house...only this time, he doesn't even know what he wants. In those moments, I truly feel Noah's pain when asking Allie what she wants in the Notebook. When we do go for our evening stroll, he just wants to say hello to every other dog he sees. When the bigger (and smaller) dogs bark at him nastily, he gets a little upset because the other kids don't want to play. He's just a real softie at heart, who loves to be a social butterfly.

3. He has to be tucked in at night
My dog doesn't sleep on a little dog bed. Oh no. He has the sofa, with his own blanket and a cushion for his sleepy head. He won't settle down for bedtime unless he's had his bedtime cuddles though. By bedtime cuddles I don't just mean a little pet on the head and off you go. I mean a proper snuggle, head burying, paws wrapped around you, spooning, cuddle. Seriously, give me fluffy animal cuddles over awkward, human cuddles any day. Sometimes, like a naughty child, he'll try to stay up past his bedtime. Also, just like a child, when he's feeling ill or sad he'll also try and sneak into your room to sleep on your bed with you. When he finally settles down for bed, it means finally being able to unwind and have some much needed me-time. Well, that is until it's 5:45am and you're being woken up by a dog pinning you down and covering your face in morning kisses. Just in case, you weren't aware that he was awake and wanting both attention and breakfast.

4. He has a special diet
My dog doesn't just get fed any old thing. His diet is highly specialised. In fact, some days he eats better than I do. I'm talking chicken, rice and carrots. A trip to the local pet store means scrutinizing every single item we pick up...and then more often than not, putting it down and walking out empty handed. Honestly, it's scary to think that 99% of the dog food, treats or bones are not safe for Dalmatians to eat. Yet, sometimes the packaging will still feature a happy little Dalmatian on the front. Oh how my blood boils. Luckily though, my little baby gets his own special diet. One that some days, even I'm jealous of. Also, if you mention how your dog just loves to share your chocolate bar with you, or to eat your gravy drowned sunday dinner left-overs, I will not be held responsible for my annoying overprotective motherly rant.

5. I watch his every move
Just like with a baby, you can't look away for a second. All hell will break loose otherwise. If your dog is silent during that millisecond when your attention is diverted, you can bet they're up to mischief. Watching my dogs every move, also means watching every little thing that he tries to put in his mouth. When I take my dog for a walk, it is nose to the ground from the get-go. He's on a mission to munch anything that crosses his path. But due to his special diet (point 4.) and my overprotective motherly instincts (point 1.) I just won't let that happen. Which often means I'll be prising open those jaws and battling against his gnashers to reach in his mouth to pull out that sweet, bone, dead fish or sometimes even poop that he decided to chomp on. Yuck. The joys of having a baby...I mean dog!

The main reason why my dog is like a baby is because of the unconditional love that I have for him. To me, he is the most important being (as well as my family of course) on this planet. His health, safety and happiness comes first. Doggies, unfortunately, don't get free NHS healthcare like us humans. This is why it is soooo important that you make sure your pet is covered by pet insurance. RSPCA and MORETH>N insurance have teamed up to keep your furry friends safe. Their insurance will not only provide your own pet with protection, but will also help other animals out there. £20 from each policy sold will go to the RSPCA to help protect unwanted and neglected animals. If you have a pet then please have a click and read about the insurance options that are available for keeping your much loved pet(s) safe. Please, have a nosey at the insurance and keep you pet and less fortunate animals out there safe.

With lots of love from me and sloppy dog kisses from Roley the Dalmatian, I hope you enjoyed this light-hearted post about a matter that is so truly close to my heart!

Grandiose Days,

xxx

N.B. This post has been published in partnership with RSPCA and Talented Talkers. All words, thoughts, opinions and photos are my own. If you have any questions, please let me know :)