Don't Buy a Puppy to Cure Empty Nest Syndrome

The empty nest syndrome can cause you to reach out for affection in the wrong places, places you will regret. Puppies can be one of those places. Puppies can become the love of your life and your greatest regret at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I love my Bichon like he was a human baby. In fact, I've been told I could be a large part of his problems. He thinks he is a human. I bought him when my son left home and he naturally became my security blanket. I have learned some valuable and at the same time comical lessons about humanizing pets.

1. If you let them sleep in the bed with you they take over.

2. Singing lullabies to them makes them sleepy for all of 5 minutes.

3. Telling them to go "nite-nite" starts a conversation that you a) can't understand and b) can't win anyway.

4. Giving your dog his own blanket doesn't stop him from taking yours.

5. If you have a laptop he will be jealous of it and chew the power cord.

6. You will no longer be in control of when it is time to go to bed or get out of bed, the dog will.

7. You will find yourself being more homebound than when you had an actual baby - babies are allowed in restaurants and malls.

So, when you get empty nest syndrome, my advice is to get a house plant - forget the cute little puppy at least until you are past the drama of your child leaving home.