Surviving Your First Year As A First-Time-Pet-Parent In Your 20's | The Dodo

When you survive your first year of being a pet parent We talked to Penny's mom about how she prepared for her new life as a pet parent, what surprised her the most and how she broke her #1 rule 💙
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[@el7jake]

"I let go of a lot of my original expectations, and I met her where she was at." Words of wisdom for any relationship.

[@SilverAuntie]

Yep! You are now ready if you ever decide on having a human baby. Just remember the Number One thing that you learned with Penny. Throw all your expectations out the window. As you said, you have to meet them at their level. So, throw out the books that people "just swear by", take whatever advice you get (including mine) with a grain of salt, and love your next baby, whether human or pet, and you'll be just fine.

[@fromtheashesIR1SE]

In order to meet someone where they’re at…they first need to tell you where they’re at! We aren’t mind readers. Married since 2011. Lack of communication leads to trying to figure out why you are the way you are, which leads to anger and confusion. Just open up. About all your brokenness. I said I”ll love you forever. Just fuckjng communicate

[@voyaristika5673]

As a human AND pet mom, I can tell you Penny is your baby. All human moms who love their pets will vouch for this! Penny is the happiest pup ever. 🐶 It's wonderful to see her in this loving home. ❤

[@hereandthere6001]

Life is really boring without a dog!

[@carriesunshine]

It only gets better the more time we have to spend with the souls that mean the most in our world! We adore our pets!

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

Hi 👋! your comment is always worth reading.. I pray God will give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much!.... So where are you originally from? I'm Martin and I'm originally from Denmark but currently right here in Alaska.

[@KathySwampQueen]

Cherish EVERY moment with her....even the "bad girl " ones...because one day...they leave us....and you'll wish you could get EVERY one of those moments back!!! 🐕🐶🐕‍🦺

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

Hi 👋! your comment is always worth reading.. I pray God will give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much!.... So where are you originally from? I'm Charles and I'm originally from Denmark but currently right here in Alaska.😊😊

[@kimmykimak3737]

Wise words!

[@keyahsblair]

My 1st dog as an adult was Axel Foley! Got em at 23, he passed last Jan I'm now 42... The only dog my son has ever had and lemme tell ya, we had to send him to grief counseling 😢 plz cherish every moment and feed her real food and no tap water! ❤I know that was random lol it got us 20+yrs out of a Labradoodle!

[@tracypolselli1464]

My son’s dog Daisy is having some health issues (seizures and one brain hemorrhage already) and I am terrified for my son. This sweet girl of his saved his life when things were going bad for him in his teens. The neurologist thinks with anti-seizure meds she should have a good two or three more years though. So fingers crossed. Is your son ready for another dog? Thinking good thoughts for him.

[@saragirma6577]

They don't typically live to be almost 20 but with real food yes, they can live longer. I try to advise people to give natural food once I feel comfortable enough. My dog is prey model raw diet even though I am vegan. I know of many vegans who turn their dog vegan. She is 11 has healthy gum and teeth. I also miminized her vaccination and holistic. Yes, she drinks spring water which My friend thought once over the top

[@indigowolf556]

I love Penny whether she's a puppy or a teenager she is so sweet and beautiful. You've done a great job.😊❤

[@lisam9233]

My 1st dog was a giant breed (Neapolitan Mastiff) - 160 lbs of pure love. They don’t live as long as smaller breeds and I was lucky to have had her in my life for 12 years. Since then, I’ve had medium sized dogs and honestly, the smaller ones are harder to train. But I love them all…and despite the sheer pain of losing one, I’m not without a dog for more than a few weeks. They are the most amazing friends and companions. ❤️

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

Hi 👋! your comment is always worth reading.. I pray God will give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much!.... So where are you originally from? I'm Charles and I'm originally from Denmark but currently right here in Alaska.😊😊

[@lisanidog8178]

I didn’t get my late first dog until I was 44. 16 and a half years of learning. My puppy girl was a great teacher and forgave all my mistakes. And when she passed the grief was like losing a human child.

[@MARIA-vu2ts]

Not only dogs, but animals in general teach us to love life and the little moments that come with them 😊

[@krodriguez0]

If you are willing to go through this journey. I highly recommend a shelter doggie ❤️ they need to grow up in loving homes, not in shelters 🐾

[@fabiolaherrera2100]

Adorable, I understand she is your baby, my doogie died 2 years ago she was 14 years and 3 months we traveled with her too and I learned a lot from her.

[@happyswim1836]

The boyfriend is a keeper! He acclimated well to the dog's antics, with aplomb. And, the dog loves him. Proof of his nature. Loved seeing the dog enjoy the ocean. So cute!😆😍

[@lisanidog8178]

The most important thing my Montana taught me was having a dog was different than wanting one. It was the best 16 and a half years with my girl. I sleep with my girl’s teddy bear so I feel closer to her despite her being gone six years. I carry her picture in my wallet.

[@NikSakPattyWack]

I know that pain all too well. My precious boy went to the Rainbow Bridge a little over six years ago, as well. I've never cried like that in my nearly four and a half decades on this Earth. You're SO right in saying that it was the best 16.5 years of life. I knew his every mannerism, his every curve and curl of fur, I could tell if something was "off" by nothing more than a miniscule change in his depth of breathing, or foresee an oncoming tummy ache from something as simple as a few extra beads of water on his otherwise perfectly wet nose - I have NEVER known another human on such a level....and I never will. I don't know what humans ever did to deserve the absolutely unconditional love and loyalty of dogs, but I thank God every day that we did whatever it was that earned us such a wondrous permission. To be truly, unapologetically, selflessly, and completely loved by a dog is surely to live the very best life any human has ever known.

[@lisanidog8178]

@@NikSakPattyWack so sorry you lost your boy. My dog’s cat brother became depressed after Montana passed. I had to have her put to sleep. I got him through it and he got me through it. A year later my previous cat passed on my lap at age 19. I cried all night. Both are buried beside each other in my backyard. A year later I found my two cats in 2020. My boy has the personality of my precious cat who was number 3, and his sister has the personality of my late dog. It’s eerie. The night before I had to put my dog to sleep, I apologized to her for any mistakes I made and she licked my tears. She was so forgiving. She lost her appetite but for me she shared honey with me that last night. After she passed I heard Montana bark. There are no other Chihuahuas in my neighborhood. She used to come wi5 me to mail bills and when I went I saw a flash of her walking beside me. I thought I was seeing things until a stranger at the mailbox said she sees my dog. It hit me on the way home. Montana was still watching over me. And her cat brother appeared as I got in bed. I begged for another cat. He disappeared and a month later I found my two cats who aren’t Siamese like he was but act like them. It’s comforting having two cats who have the personalities of my late cat and dog. It’s like my past on dog and cat knew I still needed them so here we are just different bodies. Pets are so forgiving. Montana saved my life three times. I owe my life to my Chihuahua girl. It’s been six years since she passed and I still miss and love her, been five years since her cat brother passed and I miss and still love him. They were both special. All of my pets I’ve had were special. They did things you’d never think they would do.

[@danimatt100]

You were just like me. I overthought it. And i ended up with a 100 pound gentle giant female doberman we named Reagan. She is my first dog in my life and she is incredible. Absolutely tuned in to everything im thinking at every moment. ...so a year ago we brought River into our lives. Another red doberman who is my wiggle butt boy at 15 months old. He is crazy but he is keeping our 9 year old young again. I will never live my life without a dog. They complete me.

[@candidaprout560]

It's a beautiful sweet dog. And you are beautiful humans. Dogs give us the double of the love we give them ❤❤❤❤❤

[@lisanidog8178]

I can relate! It was a learning experience. I’ve had all kinds of pets and it’s a constant learning experience no matter one’s age. As with human kids, there’s no instruction manual that applies to pets too.

[@MeMeDaVinci]

Looks like my Zappa, the dog I had 40+ years ago. I didn't have her very long but I'm still connected to her. She was the greatest thing that happened in my life. I still miss her.

[@AdryWoods]

God bless you and love Penny forever until she pass away even after I hope she’ll be happy with you 🙏🏻🧡🐾

[@gingieandskye2543]

So great that you put the time in with her to make sure she was going to live her best life. Bonus: she makes your life pretty great too.

[@dad4ever-c90]

Almost all first-time parents, of both animals and humans, quickly realize it is MUCH more demanding than they expected. And they think once their child reaches a certain age, it will get easier. Nope! The nature of the challenges only change. But, most parents eventually find it is the most fulfilling experience of their lives!

[@CarolinaHernandez-wp1re]

Amazing how you treated and love her. Thank you for adopting her. God bless you 🙏

[@CarolinaHernandez-wp1re]

Hi, I'm from Chihuahua México, but I live at El Paso Tx.

[@CarolinaHernandez-wp1re]

I'm helping the stray cats but people are so mean here at ysleta district because they bothering me all the time for do that. That's why make me happy soul beautiful persons like you 🙏.

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

@@CarolinaHernandez-wp1re Hope you won't mind me being friends with you

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

@@CarolinaHernandez-wp1re Hope you won't mind me being friends with you 🤗🤗

[@CarolinaHernandez-wp1re]

Nice to meet you too Martin. Of course we can be friends 😀.

[@TheRealGSmith]

You have all the reason to be proud of both her and yourselves :) She's absolutely adorable. And she looks like a lot of work ;)

[@marciaelle4659]

Adorable puppy!! What a cutie-pie! Congrats on being new parents!❤❤🎉🎉🎉💙💙💙⚘️💙💙💙⚘️👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@MeMakeSparks]

Aussie's are THE BOMB!!!!!

[@kmuv2693]

A Toller, not an aussie

[@kmuv2693]

*Toller

[@MeMakeSparks]

@@kmuv2693 Is it?

[@MeMakeSparks]

@@kmuv2693 By golly! You're right! Thanks 😊

[@lisanidog8178]

It only took me twice to teach my Chihuahua girl gimme five. She was also litter box trained and used her cat brother’s box in bad weather. It took her only three days to get it. She was so smart.

[@stephanielloyd4053]

We just got a puppy, Im a Mum of 2 boys already, 9 and 15. I recently lost my Mum and Dad, had to give up my job to clear their house, and I felt completely lost after all that. Ray has given me such a purpose, I genuinely feel needed again in a way I haven't felt since my boys were very little. I am completely in Love with our beautiful baby, and I cant imagine life without her. ❤

[@Davepool-hs7vr]

Penny is just adorable

[@saramarie9455]

🥰 goodness, every single dodo video makes me cry / moves me to tears♥️ (mostly happy tears)

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

Hi 👋! your comment is always worth reading.. I pray God will give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much!.... So where are you originally from? I'm Martin and I'm originally from Denmark but currently right here in Alaska.

[@Just_Pele]

I've had pets all my life, dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, just about everything. Recently my wife and I became parents and I thought being a pet owner might help prepare me, but I was 100% wrong. It is completely different, because babies are so fragile and so vulnerable for a lot longer, and require so much more dedication and attention than animals. Also you develop a much deeper connection, that part really surprised me.

[@antoniusrono]

A heartwarming story from a happy family ❤❤❤

[@janetmarshall7171]

Penny will have NO PROBLEM!! I am 2 kinds of Parents: A Human And A Pet One!! And I LOVE BEING BOTH!! It's My Life's Passion And Work!! Penny Will Do JUST FINE!!

[@sandynewman8689]

This is a feel good video❤and it brightened my day.GOD BLESS YA'LL FOR A BIT OF SUNSHINE ON

[@CryBlueofZ]

Baby puppy is better than a baby human

[@shmuelalexis9836]

Boooo! Wrong! Disrespectful fool. Don't talk bad about my specie Stupid Idiot

[@emmasanford6802]

YES EXACTLY!

[@vladcraioveanu233]

At least the puppy does not need THAT much to be happy as an adult.

[@voyaristika5673]

There were times my children were NOT very lovable. That never happens with pets, no matter how naughty they are.😊

[@djsmithe]

Human baby's are harder to train. lol

[@Beth-zg6gb]

Congratulations! Being a loving and responsible furball guardian is usually a precursor to making a good human parent, if and when the time comes! Even more joy and rewards in that! 😊💕

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

Hi 👋! your comment is always worth reading.. I pray God will give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much!.... So where are you originally from? I'm Charles and I'm originally from Denmark but currently right here in Alaska.😊😊

[@Petr.500]

Perfectly! The family idyll of a young married couple and their pet!

[@d8ngdeld8ng]

Hi Penny! 🧡 You've got the best Pet Parents. Be obedient, but enjoy.

[@aliengirl6836]

Your Roomba is recording everything with sound in your home.

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

Hi 👋! your comment is always worth reading.. I pray God will give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much!.... So where are you originally from? I'm Martin and I'm originally from Denmark but currently right here in Alaska.

[@katek3265]

It is so rewarding ❤🎉

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

Hi 👋! your comment is always worth reading.. I pray God will give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much!.... So where are you originally from? I'm Charles and I'm originally from Denmark but currently right here in Alaska.😊😊

[@walterstevens5678]

Penny is adorable y’all are amazing!!

[@Julie-kb3mo]

Oh my gosh !! 😮 Was that the Bixby Bridge towards the end ... at Big Sur ?! My husband and I visited there last month !! What grandeur !! 🙏🏽 💙

[@nylahgongora8766]

This warms my heart 😊😊😊 since i just lost my 1st dog april 6th ❤❤❤and being 13 it was an emotinal roller coaster😢😢😢

[@selamawitmengisteab6810]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL 🎉🎊❤ 🦮❤️🦮❤️🦮❤️🦮❤️👍🏽💪🏽🙏🏽🤟🏽

[@Minetty]

Dogs teaches you how to love unconditional ❤

[@Minetty]

​@@MartinBarnhill-rf1erwell arent you a beautiful human! God bless your heart and Soul. I am From Cape Town, in South Africa. ❤ thank you Martin for the beautiful blessing. May God bless your beautiful heart.

[@Minetty]

​@@MartinBarnhill-rf1eri would love that 🤗

[@BlenderStudy]

Thank you for the update, The Dodo..!! Such a cute dog..!! ❤

[@tailsoftoulouse9458]

This is such a sweet and heart warming video ❤🎉 Penny is adorable

[@tailsoftoulouse9458]

@@MartinBarnhill-rf1er thank you so much Martin!! I’m from Canada. Many blessings

[@tailsoftoulouse9458]

@@MartinBarnhill-rf1er yes, sure! We can be friends 😊

[@tailsoftoulouse9458]

@@MartinBarnhill-rf1er yes!! We can be friends 😊

[@tailsoftoulouse9458]

@@MartinBarnhill-rf1er yes, born and raised in Canada. How about you? 😀

[@user-bq5li8gg7c]

Omg woman I can completely agree...as a new puppy mom it's definitely unreal! I have always said NO dog in the bed but she is now my snuggle buddy! The best thing I have ever done getting her. Spoiled brat she is but she is my child since I can't have children. Very emotional roll a coaster...😊but definitely worth it!!!!

[@80bbygrl]

And they only tie you down if you let it happen. A vacation is not a vacation without my boys. They make life so much better!! ❤

[@figmo397]

I agree with you about a dog not tying you down. There are places I go that I'd never explore if I didn't have a dog.

[@bonniesheplar5130]

There’s nothing nothing like a dog. And you got one of the better breeds. If I could lift anything over 10 pounds I would definitely get a golden retriever. They are the most special dogs in the world. But there are others out there, they’re just huge. 😊😂😅 yours is so beautiful. Penny is just gorgeous.

[@el7jake]

There's nothing like a dog...except a cat.

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

Hi 👋! your comment is always worth reading.. I pray God will give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much!.... So where are you originally from? I'm Charles and I'm originally from Denmark but currently right here in Alaska.😊😊

[@AshBear2008]

I LOVEEEEEE this story!!!!!!🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@wendyjones1422]

Its alot of hard work with a pup alot of fun tho sort of i have a 1 year male cockerpoo a complete nut and very high energy im knackered!

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

Hi 👋! your comment is always worth reading.. I pray God will give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much!.... So where are you originally from? I'm Martin and I'm originally from Denmark but currently right here in Alaska.

[@wichetleelamanit6195]

I can only see a lovely family. Great 😸

[@daphneloose5880]

dogs are the best ever!! just enjoy the dog hair as part of your outfit.

[@madtownangler]

My parents had a dog the first year they were married and it was lovey dovey and all that jazz. They got a second dog and two kids and the dog stayed outside in the kennel on the farm and played with us kids when we came home from school

[@annarichter484]

Whoever is like "when I get a dog they will not be allowed on the sofa", never had a dog. Also what would be the point if you can't cuddle up on the sofa together?

[@annarichter484]

@@MartinBarnhill-rf1er Hiya. God put some beautiful people in my journey to bring light in the darker days. My name is Anna and I'm originally from Germany and living in Scotland. God bless you Charles.

[@KP-nx8lo]

Rule number one for first time pet owners. Go in with NO exceptions except receiving unconditional love and that it’s going to be a big adjustment for EVERYONE!

[@marionfriedenthal7352]

You are excellent furbaby parents. Enjoy her.

[@marcusbingham1625]

❤ oh so lovely

[@98Destructo]

This is so truu

[@laurenbarnes4918]

I have slept with dogs in the bed/on the couch my entire life. My husband was horrified when he met me and attempted to sleep with me/my pitbull and my dachshund when he first met us. Now when he spends the rare night away from us or just us without the dogs he cannot sleep well at all. I grew up being taught you can buy or find 1000 couches and beds through life but dogs are here for a good time and not a long time. I'm certainly going to be comfortable in every room in my house why wouldn't I want the ones that love me unconditionally and unwaveringly right there with me? Yeah I can't get leather cushions or silk sheets and I need to invest in sticky rollers and bottles of febreeze but my dogs live here, guests don't 🤷‍♀️

[@SilverAuntie]

I need to make this into a sign for my front door: WARNING! My animals sit where I sit, and sleep where I sleep. My home is their home, as well. A Wise Woman once said, "You can buy or find 1,000 couches and beds throughout your life, but Dogs (and Cats) are here for a Good Time, not a Long Time." - L. Barnes Thank you for that beautiful piece of heartfelt advice!

[@JohnnyFiction]

Good choice with San Diego

[@andreakeating74]

So sweet...

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

Hi 👋! your comment is always worth reading.. I pray God will give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much!.... So where are you originally from? I'm Charles and I'm originally from Denmark but currently right here in Alaska.😊😊

[@emmasanford6802]

I know the feeling my baby girl Hannah she's a blue fawn pitbull she IS my BABY! Through and through!

[@joestebic4604]

Why fly half way across and there were plenty at the shelter by ur house im sure

[@ninalugo8709]

Lol the dog puppy days remind me of my dog when I bring him home .

[@sarastitt4081]

Sofa covers work, look great and go in the washer.❤

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

Hi 👋! your comment is always worth reading.. I pray God will give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much!.... So where are you originally from? I'm Charles and I'm originally from Denmark but currently right here in Alaska.😊😊

[@tanja6614]

❤❤❤

[@minniegirl175]

Very sweet ❤

[@normasanchezanastacio]

she is beautiful smart girl!!!

[@ernstoud]

Well done. You passed the exam. On to another 12-14 years!

[@franciebelcher4594]

Lol. "No dogs" rule is always thrown out the window, eventually 😁❤❤❤

[@charleschalitti554]

Toller is da best🎉

[@mrredfairy1]

Sweet!!.

[@Marloez82]

What kind of dog is this? So cute ❤

[@jilldavis7229]

You now know what it’s like to be a fur baby parent 👍🙏💕

[@ramico338]

Beauty cutie!💕🐶❤️‍🔥🐾💕♾️

[@Jenny_Crow]

❤

[@angelvera04]

Wow! Sounds like my husband and I with our furry baby Jack. Everything I said we wouldn’t do, we did. But no regrets

[@NNN_613]

Duck tollers are so sweet 🦆🚧🦆

[@andrewbrooks1346]

I remember having a "no couch or bed" rule...the life of which could have been counted in days if not hours.

[@fabrizioriva1281]

Forever baby

[@klock6657]

Excellent 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳great video

[@HighConCannibal]

I can relate to this so hard. im 35 now and my samoyed baby is 9! He wasnt that hard of a puppy but he made up for it in his teenage years. He was my first dog and i was sure he was gonna be crate trained. No amount of training helped. Today I cant fall asleep if he is not in the bed with me.

[@lstockton8468]

He has you trained well! LOL

[@HighConCannibal]

@@lstockton8468 He sure has!

[@nedthumberland]

She chose a very intelligent breed....and that comes with lots of challenges.

[@PolishAndPoly]

This was me with my kitty. Edit: And by was, I mean still is. He’s about to be four months soon. Lol. And I agree, my baby loves laying with me in bed and on the sofa (but only when I’m not around, on the sofa. He likes to hog it 😂).

[@lightyear5890]

beautifull

[@eligiuszjanik1251]

Dzień Dobry Miło Znów Zobaczyć Wasz Wesoły Film o Kochanych Urwisach Pierzastych i Kudłatych Pozdrawiam Was Serdecznie Elik

[@yolandarosero972]

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole”

[@PARKERJONES-ps7gz]

Ahhh so gorgeous. What breed is Penny? She’s beautiful :-)

[@monicacasillas8220]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

Hi 👋! your comment is always worth reading.. I pray God will give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much!.... So where are you originally from? I'm Charles and I'm originally from Denmark but currently right here in Alaska.😊😊

[@dabanyaseen3018]

May Allah bless you all,

[@gamalielcenteno4801]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@80bbygrl]

I have always heard to get a male puppy, to help prepare you for parenthood... Lol ❤

[@magietagie]

💖💖💖

[@pliashmuldba]

OMG ! Penny have a sniffer, just asking for kisses.

[@OrangeArdmore]

NY to SD? They have $$$$!!

[@deborahnorthover5304]

💕🐾🐕

[@veramae4098]

What about being 70 and always had cats?

[@MartinBarnhill-rf1er]

Hi 👋! your comment is always worth reading.. I pray God will give you a lot of beautiful days and you know God loves us so much!.... So where are you originally from? I'm Martin and I'm originally from Denmark but currently right here in Alaska.

[@lisanidog8178]

That’s what my girl did. I took her out of her cage and she slept with me in bed and she fell asleep content. It was like hearing a human baby screaming. Yeah I can relate!

[@user-oj9ed2it9i]

get a damn rescue wtf