This is the story of how me and my husband became dog parents to a Great Pyrenees and Lab mix named Bandit. It all started with a visit to a local shelter where we saw a sign that read “1.5-year-old, male Great Pyrenees named Niko.” But when we laid eyes on him, he stole our hearts, which is why we ended up naming him Bandit (cue eye roll here).
Ten months in, we’ve learned a lot as new dog parents to the most adorable, stubborn, and independent Great Pyrenees. Here are ten things we’ve discovered along the way.
Lesson 1: Beware of the tail wag!
Despite its fluffiness, Bandit’s tail is a force to be reckoned with, knocking over anything in its path. Victims have included unattended opened water bottles, bowls of cereal, phones, remote controls, coffee coasters, books, you name it. We’ve learned to keep all items out of reach when his tail starts wagging.
Lesson 2: Cleaning up dog diarrhea is no joke.
When you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. We’ve had our fair share of cleanups, and it’s not a pleasant task to be on your hands and knees scrubbing for days. But we’ve come to appreciate the joys of being a pet parent, even during these not-so-glamorous moments.
Lesson 3: Our routine has changed for the better.
We now wake up to the soft sound of Bandit’s whimper, eagerly waiting for his morning walk around the block. Caring for him and our 7.5-year-old cat gives us a sense of accomplishment that we cherish.
Lesson 4: Bandit loves us unconditionally.
Today. Tomorrow. For the rest of his life. His tail wags with excitement every time we come home, regardless of our mood. He brings joy to our lives every single day.
Lesson 5: Great Pyrenees shed excessively.
We’ve learned to avoid certain types of furniture as it’s impossible to keep clean with Bandit’s white fur. Unfortunately for us, most of our stuff is black, which leaves us playing a constant game of Lysol-ing, sweeping, and roomba-ing so that we can recognize our own furniture. But we wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world.
Lesson 6: Bandit is so cute that we get compliments everywhere we go.
We can’t help but feel lucky to have such an adorable companion. Actually, every time we’re out and he gets multiple compliments in a row, my husband and I look at each other and telepathically communicate, “Must be nice to be so cute. Can’t relate.” Ha!
Lesson 7: Going on walks has become a daily activity that we enjoy.
It’s a chance to catch up on our day and spend quality time together as a family. Those hard to come by moments of slowness are much needed in this go-go-go lifestyle.
Lesson 8: Picking up dog poo is not that bad.
Hands down, this is my least favorite part of my morning routine. I’m sure you can guess why… Having said that, I feel an odd sense of accomplishment every time I throw away a bag of poop, and that’s because (yes, I’ve given this a lot of thought): (1) where it’s my least pleasant task, getting it over with feels like an accomplishment, and (2) there’s something special about caring for another living thing, one that is entirely dependent upon you.
Lesson 9: There are 2429 photos on my camera roll…
…and 2428 of them are of Bandit. 2324 of those are videos. No regrets, but I will need to buy more storage space.
Lesson 10: Bandit has helped us form small habits that have a large impact on our lives.
Sure, some days are more hectic than others and that extra hour we spend every day on his care is part of being responsible pet owners. The small demands of going on a walk, picking up dog poo, and filling water and food bowls are nothing compared to the joy he brings us each day (oh and the endless compliments are nice too!). We’re grateful for the joys and challenges of pet parenthood, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Conclusion
Becoming dog parents to Bandit has been a journey filled with challenges and joys. We’ve learned a lot along the way, from the importance of keeping items out of reach of his wagging tail, to the necessity of being prepared for unexpected cleanups. We’ve also discovered how Bandit has helped us to form small but impactful habits and how he has made us better people. Through it all, we’ve come to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that comes with pet parenthood. If you’re considering adopting a pet, we encourage you to take the leap and open your hearts and home to an animal in need. It’s been an incredible experience for us, and we know you won’t regret it.
What lessons have you learned as a pet parent, and how has your furry friend made you a better person? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
