In case you missed my huge, mother-honkin’ photo, Rocco came into our lives this weekend.

(He already has a profile on Dogbook. Am I crazy?! :))

Seriously, we’re smitten by this pup and he’s just such a bundle of joy and a furball who makes us smile.

I didn’t realize just how much I missed having a dog around until we got him and now it feels like our little family is ‘complete’ (well, til we have kids — then it’ll feel more complete!)

Anyway, today’s post is dedicated to pets everywhere.

Aside from the obvious that animals bring such joy to a home and strengthen a couple’s bond, I think having a dog is not only going to be wonderful for me as an average person, but even moreso with respect to my blog and my disordered eating recovery journey.

How? Well …

-My mind has been totally focused on his wants/needs; I need to put someone else ahead of me (good prep for a baby someday, no?!)

-It’s a way to nurture my maternal instincts since motherhood is still an intangible concept (for the time being, at least til hubby is closer to being done with his MBA).

-Rocco is a great test of my patience and managing expectations.

-He’s an anxiety reducer; I put him in my arms or he cuddles up to my calves and I’m suddenly calmer than a cucumber.

-I’ve barely had food/exercise on the brain this weekend — and it was a nice change of pace.

-I’ll want to socialize more and spend more time outside and offline, so to speak.

-I’ll have  companion on nights my husband is at school or studying (he goes all four semesters!).

-I can’t mindlessly munch because he will wake up if the fridge or a cabinet open.

-I’ll likely go back to AM workouts which rev me up for the day, since he is going to have me up anyway! This will leave my evenings free for walks and playdates with other puppy friends. (Edited to say: yea, the morning workouts aren’t going to happen for a while… morning walks with my pup will — he’s so hyper in the AM — I’ll play things by ear).

All in all, I’m just so happy right now, grinning from ear to ear.

It kind of feels like, wow, all is right in the world.

And on that note … off to play with my boy while hubby finishes his last paper of this semester. It’s cold and rainy out so I’m quite content with my laptop and will be making some hot cocoa later, for sure!