I have two small dogs at home: a brussels griffon and a miniature poodle, both of which are smaller dogs. I have been working as an animal care nurse for the past 3 years, and as I have pursued my career, I have found that I have a special connection with animals, mainly dogs. I chose to write this article because I come from a family who does NOT traditionally believe that you should “spoil” an animal, so to speak. They think you should treat an animal as just that, “an animal,” while I think they should be treated as a part of your family. For instance, this winter my husband and I purchased heated/thermal dog beds for our dogs to sleep on at night and it cost about $89…when we told my grandparents about it, they said “That is ridiculous!! How can you justify spending that much money on an animal, it’s just stupid. Why don’t you guys start having kids and spending some money on them.” and I replied “because our dogs are “the kids” and they are a huge part of our family. Nothing can replace the love or the connection that you feel for a dog in your heart, they are the most kind and intelligent creatures one could ever hope for in terms of companionship. Where else are you going to find an animal that accepts you COMPLETELY and WITHOUT BIAS for who you are, remains loyal to you no matter what, and in 90% of cases, are great with children. In my mind, there is every reason in the world to spoil your dogs, and I will continue to do so with all of my little four-footed furry friends!!
