The night before Valentine’s Day, my husband, Lorenzo, came upstairs with a small bundle of furs.

Looking up from my computer, I asked, “What is that? Is it stuffed? Is it alive?” Lorenzo leaves the fluff ball on the ground. He barely moved. He couldn’t see his eyes because of all the hair. But he knew it. He is a dog. (MY GOD!)

I couldn’t believe Lorenzo would do that. I couldn’t believe he bought us a new puppy! (Speak of taking chances!) But within the first week, I realized that having a new puppy is a lot like falling in love.

1. It is unexpected

Just like talking about falling in love, you never expect it when it happens. Falling in love is what you will do one day. When you meet the right person. When you have all your affairs in order. Or after the next trip… Then you meet him and all your plans go overboard.

I couldn’t talk when Lorenzo bought me a dog. We had talked about having a dog. Some day. But here it was. Live. Real. In person.

Meeting Biscuit wasn’t a WOW moment like… “Oh WOW! I’m so excited!” And I’m running around screaming, “Oh, WOW!” It was more like, “Oh. Wow. Oh. Wow. Oh. Damn. Oh. Wow.” This is OUR dog.

That’s all. Is this what “Love” is? Oh. Wow.

2. It’s unpleasant

Like a couple kissing and caressing in public, not caring who’s watching because they’re soooo in love… having a new puppy is just as disgusting.

I’ve never been one of those “dog people”. They are so hateful to their animals. Until now. Now, I’m a hateful “dog person.” And I don’t care who sees it. I want to show “my love” to everyone. Oh, how happy we are! Its not cute? I share stories of our encounter with strangers. (Happy sigh.) It’s unpleasant. It’s really, really disgusting.

3. It’s scary

At first, “Love” is so fabulous. It’s so new. It is so exciting!

And then you realize that you have to live in real life. And “Love” has needs. But you don’t know what they are, because you just met. You guys don’t know each other at all. You don’t know what he’s thinking. And that’s when the terror comes. And just like when you fall in love, you realize that no matter how much you think you’re ready, you’re not.

I have considered the idea of ​​having a dog. I like the idea of ​​a faithful companion to accompany me on my walks. I like the idea of ​​something cute looking at me. I like the IDEA of having a dog. But the reality is that I know NOTHING about raising a puppy. I have no idea how to take care of it! What if I mess it up? What if I kill him?

I told Lorenzo that I couldn’t go back to work until the pup was an adult. He couldn’t leave me alone with Biscuit! It was terrifying. (Lorenzo left me alone with Biscuit. I’m fine now.) (In case you were wondering).

4. It’s hard to say “NO”

Like saying “NO” to having sex too soon, it was just as hard to say “NO” to Biscuit when she wanted to jump on the couch. I really, really wanted him to come to me. It would be great to snuggle with him on the couch, but it was our second day. I had to say “NO”. Jumping on furniture is not a habit you want to encourage.

My friends couldn’t believe my willpower. Most said, “You’ll give up. You won’t be able to resist. You’ll have to have it with you on your couch.” But he knew that if he let him have his way from the start, he would pay for it in the long run. I knew he wouldn’t respect me. I knew it would trample me. Spoiled.

And I knew that once I said “YES” it would be very, very difficult to say “NO” again. If ever. (Okay, I admit…I’ve let it up a couple of times, but…not EVERY time! :))

5. It’s work, but it’s worth it

Just like a romantic relationship, getting a new puppy is a lot of work. You have to take care of it. It takes time. You have another responsibility in your life. With someone who has their own ideas and opinions about things.

But you are committed. And it is a priority.

With Biscuit we bathe him, feed him, walk him, defecate him, brush him, medicate him and take him to the vet.

And like a typical man, Biscuit is always in our business. He wants to be a part of all! And I love it.

He is so cheerful. And playful. And lovely. (All think so!) It’s so good. (All says so!) And so sweet. (All loves him!) (I warned you…”It’s nasty!”)

And I am such a proud mom. (She has never I’ve heard myself say that before!) And while I’ve never experienced childbirth, I imagine holding a new baby must evoke similar feelings. Falling in love… is so worth it!

Here are the “Loves” in your life!