Hey hey, mamas!

So there are lots of little things in life that can make being a single mom a bit easier, one of those things is pets. Having pets is one of the greatest things life had to offer for anyone, but in this post, we are going to go over why getting a dog is great for single moms!

Why Getting A Dog Is Great For Single Moms

Getting a dog can be a great idea for single moms for a variety of reasons, yet they are a responsibility, and the ownership of a dog shouldn’t be taken lightly – after all, we all know the saying “a dog is for life not just for Christmas”, yet, we find animal shelters throughout the country filled with unwanted pets once their novelty has worn off.

The challenge is that, unlike people, dogs have much fewer rights, and are impotent to change their circumstances – they are completely dependent on their owners care and attention, which means if they suffer neglect they are unable to do anything about it; and if they were to ever fight back against an abusive owner they are almost immediately sentenced to death.

In this vein, it can be a much kinder option to get a dog from a shelter, rather than purchasing a puppy from a litter.  Whilst it’s understandable, with young children, that you might prefer a dog from birth meaning you can shape his character and there aren’t any unknown behavioral issues that could have resulted from being abandoned or abused (i.e. ending up in a dog shelter) you should take comfort in the fact there are many checks that take place.

From health and medical assessments to behavioral assessments and training – meaning only certain dogs will be deemed suitable for entering a home with children, and therefore, you can rest assured that this particular pet has undergone a much more thorough assessment than a new puppy.

With that said, now let’s take a look at some of the benefits to single mothers of getting a dog:

1. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

It’s widely known that dogs provide an unconditional love that is often a much more reliable and pure source of love than one can get from a partner.  In human relationships, we often find ourselves in a relationship where each party gives love in order to receive love, and there can sometimes be a feeling of a subconscious scorecard system being in place.

A dog, however, provides a warm and loving connection, no matter what – a dog’s love is unconditional and will always be there for you no matter what.  They are intuitive, great listeners, and never get tired of spending time with you.

Today, a lot of people are relying on their dogs for emotional support in a recognized capacity, yet every dog owner knows the love, warmth, and comfort a dog can bring is second to none.

2.  A PROTECTIVE FRIEND

It can be reassuring to know that you have a protective friend lying at your feet, guarding your front door, or walking with you down the street.  There’s a sense of security and reassurance that comes from hearing a deep bark as someone approaches your driveway – and whilst it’s not recommended to have a family pet for the sole purpose of security, it is an added advantage that can make your home feel much more secure.

 3. A GREAT ENTERTAINER

Whilst few people would suggest leaving a young child with a dog unsupervised, dogs can be very engaging friends for children – a very loving and pure connection is formed between the two of them and the level of engagement can free up your time to focus on tasks as it means you can outsource your responsibility to entertain your children to your pet.

A job most pets will be happy to undertake with patience and enthusiasm; as they will equally love the attention they’re getting in return.

In summary, there are many benefits to having a dog as a single mom, yet there’s also a great responsibility and it’s important you do your research on aspects such as behavioral training and diet, just like you would with a child, and find the answer to questions such as can dogs eat grapes, in order to avoid expensive vet bills and maintain the health of your pet.

The benefits of having a dog clearly extend beyond the three points above, such as the fact they get you out of the house ensuring a regular supply of fresh air, exercise, and sociable contact with other dog walkers – which can be therapeutic for your child too, but, the fact you will receive unconditional love, emotional support, a security guard, and a children’s entertainer all in one little bundle of love, means you should seriously consider getting a dog for you and your family.

Just be sure to remember the cautionary note relating to how a dog is a pretty large responsibility and should not be treated as a temporary fix or novelty item – they will become a member of the family.

If you are like me and are not a dog person, then cats are another fantastic option for a loyal companion for your family! Enlarge your family and your heart by bringing in a new animal friend!

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A collaboration.

Much Love, JessXO