How I became a DOG MAMA, our journey to becoming pet parents

How did a person who wouldn’t even let dogs linger an inch around her suddenly turn into a dog mama? A pet parent who now lets the dog on her bed, her couch and even cuddles with her fur baby? Well, I never thought I was going to be a dog mom someday, but life has it’s own plans- Maze was meant to be.

Becoming a dog mama has truly been a journey filled with love, joy, and happiness. While it is a bliss, it does come with a set of challenges, learning and evolving. I am sharing our story and lessons learnt along the way hoping to help a family planning on getting a dog as their new family member.

Our story

Our story began during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic. We had promised Riri her very own dog on her 10th birthday, but the pandemic changed everything. Ms. Riri was home and was constantly begging to bring her 10th birthday present a little early. Hubs grew up with dogs but I had no history of pets. Everyone at home was ready except for me. I wasn’t ready to take care of another soul when there was already so much that COVID had gotten with it.

However, we decided to get a dog, but I had my own criteria for it:
1) it should be a mid-size, not weighing more than 30 lbs, so that it could travel with us to India
2) it should be hypoallergenic, mustn’t smell or shed
3) neither was I picking up after it or bathing it
4) the dog won’t be allowed on bed or couch or furniture

After three months of being on the waitlist we finally found a breeder up in Pennsylvania with the breed we were looking for- a mini Goldendoodle. Kit Kat ( Maze’s former name ) was a mix of Golden retriever and poodle and this breed is very easy to take care of.

If you would know Goldendoodles have curly fur but in Maze’s case he took after his mom more who was a Golden retriever, hence his heavy tail and not-so-curly fur. So, we drove all the way to Pennsylvania on Father’s Day and brought Maze home as a Father’s Day gift to the Hubs. He instantly bonded with Ms. Riri and for me it was love at first sight. With his almond fur and fluffy tiny legs, Maze just captured our hearts.

We took this picture on Maze’s eight week birthday, just one week after we got him. Believe it or not, I was still scared and abstained from holding him or feeding me with hand. I feared getting bit and licked. Three years later, Maze still isn’t allowed to lick my face, which he totally gets. But, rest has changed- he is a mama’s boy and Ms. Riri knows that I love him more than I love her 😉

So, here are some tips for folks planning on bringing a dog home.

Choosing the right size

1. Research Breeds: Before bringing a dog home, it’s crucial to research different breeds to find one that aligns with your lifestyle. Bigger dogs need more active space, so the size of the dog is directly proportional to the size of your dwelling.
2. Responsible Breeder: Opt for a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. A good breeder will take care of the puppy vaccinations. We got Maze at seven weeks, so he still needed a couple right after he came to us. Our decision to choose a responsible breeder ensured Maze’s good health from the beginning.

Preparing your home

1. Safe Spaces: Create a safe and comfortable space for your new furry family member. Puppy-proof your home by removing potential hazards and providing a cozy bed. I would suggest putting your rugs away till the puppy is potty and toilet trained.
2. Necessary Supplies: Stock up on essential supplies, including food and water bowls, a collar and leash, toys, grooming tools, and a comfortable crate. Maze used to sleep in his crate in the afternoon and nights until he was a year old, now he sleeps on our bed. The dogs really don’t need much, it’s us that we need all that is advertised online.

Caring for your dog

• Balanced Diet: Feed your dog a balanced and nutritious diet suitable for their breed and size. Consult with your vet to determine the best food choices. Remember, there are breed- specific food brands, so do your research or ask the Vet for the best brand for your breed.
• Grooming: It entirely depends on your Dog’s breed and vet. Our vet said dogs really don’t need to bathe as they loose skin oil over time. But, we bathe Maze every few weeks and he goes for his professional grooming every 2-3 months or so.
• Regular Exercise: Dogs, especially active breeds like Goldendoodles, require regular exercise. Daily walks and playtime contribute to their physical and mental well-being.
• Vet Visits: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations to ensure your dog stays healthy. Discuss preventive care measures with your vet. US law requires pet dogs neutered/spayed and we had Maze neutered when he was nine months old. It is for their well being and hygiene.

Understanding the nature of dogs

• Unconditional Love: Dogs are known for their unwavering loyalty and unconditional love. Building a strong bond with your furry friend involves spending quality time together and showing affection.
• Training: Consistent training is essential for a well-behaved dog. Basic commands, leash manners, and socialization contribute to a positive relationship.
• Doggy care: Unfortunately, Maze can’t travel with us to India as he turned out to be heavier than 30lbs ( the normal allowed weight on board ). So, when traveling we prefer leaving Maze with a host family who offer him a similar environment as home. We tried day boarding and hostel and it wasn’t for us or Maze. He is a spoiled baby for sure. We’ve had luck finding hosts via Rover.com .

Lessons learned as Dog parents

• Patience is key: Dogs, especially puppies, require patience and understanding. Training takes time, and setbacks are part of the process. We trained Maze for most part and he is a smart, active and a kind dog.
• Communication matters: Pay attention to your dog’s body language and vocalizations. Effective communication enhances the bond between you and your furry companion. Maze was very communicative from the beginning and would give us cues from an early age.
• Cherish the moments: Dogs have a shorter lifespan than humans, so cherish every moment. If human age is 1, the dog age is 7. Capture memories through photos and create lasting experiences together.

We really got lucky with Maze. He is so playful, friendly, loving and brings so much joy to us. He is a furry son, a little brother, a neighborhood friend and so much more.