If you grew up not knowing the excitement of coming home to the wagging tail of your golden retriever, or the warmth of your cat’s body pressed against you while the two of you cuddle up to a good book, you’re not alone. Maybe mom never wanted a dog, or your sibling is allergic. Maybe you still sometimes don’t remember to feed yourself, let alone a pet (those homework assignments just never seem to end). No matter what the reason may be, here are 10 things that all of us pet-less pet lovers have in common:
1. When your group of pet-owning friends talk about the annoyingly adorable things their dogs do and you just stand there, smiling.And crying on the inside.
2. You enjoy any chance interaction with a stranger’s dog.My day = made.
3. When your school hosts a Therapy Dogs event, you’re the first person in line.If you aren’t, do you even love dogs?
4. You own tons of sweaters with cats on them, but you don’t own an actual cat.Maybe your parents will get the hint eventually. Your birthday is coming up, after all.
5. The first thing you plan to do when you move out of your parent’s house is adopt a dog.Your woof, your rules.
6. Anyone who says they have a dog or cat immediately has your heart.Pics or it didn’t happen. ;)
7. You love wandering through pet toy shops even though you know you won’t walk out with a purchase.Cashier: What kind of dog do you have?
Me: An imaginary one.
8. You can’t identify most dogs by breed, only by appearance.A dachshund is “the one that looks like a hot dog.”
9. Your parents refuse to spend money on getting a pet, so your college bucket list includes catching a bunny on campus so they can’t say no.One of these days…
10. Your laptop screensaver is a picture of the golden retriever you don’t own.His name is Sparky and he likes long walks on the beach and scaring away burglars.
11. You have a long list of potential names for your future cat written down.Still trying to decide between Tigger and Simba.
12. But for now, you just settle for cooing over photos of your friend’s pets.
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