Growing up I always had cats. I love cats! My Mom is a big animal lover & was always a “cat person” so I grew up as a “cat person.” I remember when I was younger I always wanted a dog. I begged my Mom for a dog. (Doesn’t every kid?) My Mom has always had pretty bad asthma and she was allergic to most dogs. Her Doctors always discouraged her even having cats because they said it could bother her asthma, my Mom being stubborn (wonder where I get it from? Dad’s the same way too) always went against that suggestion. (Short haired cats were okay for her and didn’t cause any attacks. I grew up with all short haired cats. I think long haired cats are gorgeous (My Dad had a gorgeous one, sadly his cat passed away almost two years ago)

I remember always answering the question, “Are you a cat or dog person?” as “both.” I grew up with cats, had many of them during my childhood and early adult years, however, even though, at that time, I never owned a dog, I loved them too. I love animals and I always wanted a dog… I didn’t really know the difference between having a cat and having a dog. I thought it was pretty much the same.

When my husband and I first met, (literally like two months into dating) we were like, let’s get a dog! We both grew up with cats, we both always wanted a dog but weren’t allowed to have one. At that time we were both still young, living at home, and not financially able to have a dog. Fast forward to a few years later… we got Hemi. Hemi is a Maltese and was 3 months old, 4.5 lbs when we got him. Omg! I’m just remembering how tiny and little he was back then!

Typical pose for Hemi

Since then I’ve learned just how different cats and dogs really are. My cats growing up were all independent, moody, wants affection on their time only kinda cats… with the exception of one cat. (he was just like a baby, even down to letting me cuddle and rock him to sleep like a baby) With Hemi, he’s so needy, affectionate, has separation anxiety and hates being away from, more so me, than Chris. While he goes outside to play and get exercise, he’s liter box trained and has been since the first week we got him, so that’s helpful. Hemi hates water and hates getting wet, it’s especially wonderful since he doesn’t have to do his business outside on days when it’s raining or snowing. I’m sure he’s happy about that, too.

Having a dog has been completely different than having cats. Of course I loved all my cats, but with Hemi, I worry about him a lot. I worry about him when he goes to the groomer, will be he okay, what if an accident happens, (he’s had the same groomer since he was 3 months old and he’s been fine. I’m just paranoid) I worry about his vet visits, is he healthy? What if he has something? I worry about the food he eats, (Hemi inhales his food and often times will make this weird snorting sound when he takes in too much air- it’s common for Maltese’s. I worry if we have to leave him if we’re traveling, how will he be? Will he be okay? (Even if he’s staying with family members) I worry about him getting older. He’ll be 10 years old this February. 😦 It makes me sad that he’s getting old. It also makes me scared. I’ve literally been afraid of the day of not having him since I first got him.

Looking shaggy & long overdue for his grooming.

No matter what kind of day I’m having, his sweet little face just makes everything better. He’s so loving, playful, super protective, smart,sweet, & just such a good boy. He’s my best friend.

I get why people are “dog” people now. I’ll always have a love of cats… (possibly have another one in the future) To me, dogs are just special and I think there’s something different about them. They really become in tune with you and your feelings. I know my dog brings me so much joy and I couldn’t imagine my life without him.

Do you guys have any pets? Are you more a cat or dog person? Let me know!

Thanks for reading! 🙂

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