What I Hope People See
If someone were to look at my life as a pawrent, I hope they’d see someone who loves deeply and tries their best every single day. I hope they’d notice the effort I put into making sure Romo and Sauli are happy and healthy, from their carefully curated meals to their daily belly rubs.
But more than that, I hope they’d see the joy and love that Romo and Sauli bring into my life. Being their pawrent isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. They’ve taught me to be more patient, more present, and more loving—not just toward them, but toward myself and the world around me.
Pawrenting isn’t just a role; it’s a relationship. It’s about growing together, learning from each other, and building a bond that’s as nourishing as the food I put in their bowls. And for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
Lessons in Love, Nutrition, and Care: My Pawrenting Adventures
Being a pawrent is a full-time job, and like most jobs, it didn’t come with a handbook. When I first welcomed Romo and Sauli, my Belgian Malinois companions, into my life, I had no idea just how much my world would revolve around dog care, nutrition, and love. These two have taken me on a journey of learning, trial and error, and deep joy that I never could have anticipated.
I started out as the kind of pawrent who Googled every question: Can dogs eat bananas? What’s the best kibble? How do you stop a dog from stealing socks? I wanted to do everything right, but the truth is, pawrenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up every day and trying your best. And with Romo and Sauli, trying my best has often meant a lot of learning, a little improvisation, and, sometimes, sheer luck.
The Food Saga
Let’s start with food, one of the biggest adventures in pawrenting. Feeding two high-energy Malinois is no small feat. At first, I thought I could simply pick a well-reviewed dog food and be done with it. Oh, how naïve I was.
Romo, my brown boy, is a food connoisseur—or so he likes to think. He’s the dog who will sniff his bowl, look at me as if to say, This? Really? and then wait patiently for something better. Sauli, on the other hand, eats like he’s in a speed-eating contest, which has led to more than one bout of indigestion.
I quickly learned that nutrition is key to keeping them healthy and happy. I spent hours researching balanced diets, consulting with vets, and even dabbling in homemade meals. There was the time I made them a chicken and rice dish so delicious that I briefly considered trying it myself. (I didn’t, but it smelled amazing.)
Of course, there were also disasters—like the time Sauli got into a leftover piece of ham during the holidays. Let’s just say the aftermath involved a lot of running (him), farts (him again), and a very long walk to help settle his stomach. That experience taught me the hard way that not all “people food” is dog-friendly.
Beyond the Bowl
Pawrenting isn’t just about food; it’s about the care and attention you give to every aspect of your dog’s life. From grooming to exercise to vet visits, there’s always something that needs doing. I’ve become an expert at trimming nails, checking ears, and even brushing teeth—a task that requires both skill and a good sense of humor.
And then there’s the emotional care. Dogs, like people, have their quirks and moods. Romo thrives on routine and gets anxious if anything changes, while Sauli is a social butterfly who loves meeting new people and dogs. Balancing their needs has taught me patience and empathy.
The Little Things
Some of my favorite moments as a pawrent aren’t about the big responsibilities but the little things: the way Romo rests his head on my lap when he’s tired, the way Sauli’s tail wags so hard it looks like it might fly off, the pure joy on their faces when I say the word “walk.”
These moments remind me why I do what I do. They’re why I’ve stayed up late comforting a scared dog during a thunderstorm, why I’ve spent a small fortune on chew toys, and why I’ve learned to bake dog-friendly treats from scratch.
From Heels to Sneakers: My Pawrenting Adventures
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a devoted pawrent, it’s that life with dogs is anything but predictable. Pawrenting has transformed me in ways I never imagined, pushing me to swap high heels for sneakers, chaos for laughter, and routines for spontaneous adventures. Along the way, my dogs—Romo and Sauli—have taught me patience, humor, and a deep appreciation for the small joys of life.
When I first became a dog parent, I had no idea what I was signing up for. Like many new pawrents, I pictured long, serene walks and cozy evenings cuddled on the couch. What I got instead was a whirlwind of energy, fur, and mischief. Romo, my brown Belgian Malinois, was the instigator of most of the chaos, while Sauli, the quieter (but equally cunning) black Malinois, served as his accomplice. Together, they turned my orderly life into a slapstick comedy.
Take the time I decided to “exercise” with them. I’ll admit it—I wasn’t exactly a fan of physical activity. My shoe rack was lined with elegant heels, each pair more impractical than the last. But with two energetic Malinois in the house, skipping exercise wasn’t an option. I quickly discovered that heels don’t pair well with sprinting after dogs who’ve decided that squirrels are their mortal enemies.
I remember one particular outing vividly. Armed with a fancy new leash and the misguided belief that I could maintain control, I took Romo and Sauli to a nearby park. Everything was peaceful until they spotted a flock of geese. Faster than I could say, “Stay!” they bolted, dragging me along like a character in a cartoon. People stared as I stumbled behind them, my dignity abandoned somewhere on the path. By the time we returned home, my heels were ruined, my pride was bruised, and I was Googling the best sneakers for dog owners.
Sneakers, as it turns out, were just the beginning of my transformation. Pawrenting has a way of sneaking into every aspect of your life, reshaping your priorities and routines. I’ve learned to evaluate people based on how they treat my dogs—a litmus test that has saved me from more than one ill-fated date.
There was the time I went on a first date and decided to bring Sauli along, thinking it would be a good bonding experience. My date brought his dog too, and what unfolded was a disaster of epic proportions. The dogs didn’t get along, the leashes tangled, and my date ended up covered in mud. Suffice it to say, there wasn’t a second date.
On the flip side, there was a magical moment when Romo led me to someone who changed my life. We were out for a walk when he suddenly stopped in front of a stranger, wagging his tail like he’d found a long-lost friend. The stranger knelt down to pet him, and as we started talking, I felt an instant connection. It turned out that Romo’s intuition was spot-on.
But it’s not just about the people my dogs have brought into my life; it’s about the lessons they’ve taught me along the way. Romo and Sauli have shown me the value of living in the moment. Whether they’re chasing each other around the yard or collapsing into a happy, panting heap, they remind me that joy doesn’t have to be complicated.
They’ve also taught me resilience. There have been days when pawrenting felt overwhelming—like the time Sauli chewed through my favorite pair of boots or the day Romo decided to “help” with my gardening by digging up every single plant. In those moments, I’ve had to laugh instead of cry, finding humor in the absurdity of it all.
Perhaps the most profound lesson has been about love. My dogs love unconditionally, with a purity and enthusiasm that’s both humbling and inspiring. They’ve shown me that love isn’t about grand gestures or perfection; it’s about showing up, every single day, with patience, kindness, and a willingness to embrace the chaos.
So, what do I hope people say about me? I hope they say I was a pawrent who loved fiercely and laughed often. I hope they remember the stories of my adventures with Romo and Sauli—the time we chased geese, the date that went hilariously wrong, and the moment Romo introduced me to someone special.
Above all, I hope they see how my dogs have shaped me into a better, more compassionate person. Because in the end, pawrenting isn’t just about raising dogs; it’s about growing alongside them, one adventure (and one pair of sneakers) at a time.
Let Your Pawrenting Journey Begin 