10 Ways Getting a Dog is like Having Another Child

When it comes to giving back, I've always wanted to do more than my usual clothing and diaper donations. And as a single mother with two children, I wanted to include them, too. And then one day it dawned on me: it was time to rescue a dog. When Buddy got out of the car, he ran right up our steps like he'd always known he was going to live in our house. I can't say those first days weren't a bit crazy, and I realized quickly that getting a dog really is like having another child. Did you know you have to dog-proof your home just like you would for a baby, except like way more intensely? They eat everything! Here are 10 more ways I've observed that getting a dog is just like having another child, illustrated using pictures of my kids, canine and human! - By Carolyn Castiglia

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  1. You feel terrified the first time you take them out for a long walk.
  2. Everyone on the street wants to say hello and touch them.
  3. They always sniff out their own.
  4. You have to find clever ways to give them medicine.
  5. Their eating patterns are erratic.
  6. You buy them their own bed, but they just want to sleep with you.
  7. They love to ride in the car.
  8. It's really fun to buy them clothes.

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1 - 8 of 8
PrevNext
  1. You feel terrified the first time you take them out for a long walk.
  2. Everyone on the street wants to say hello and touch them.
  3. They always sniff out their own.
  4. You have to find clever ways to give them medicine.
  5. Their eating patterns are erratic.
  6. You buy them their own bed, but they just want to sleep with you.
  7. They love to ride in the car.
  8. It's really fun to buy them clothes.
  9. They hate getting their hair cut.