Get a dog, they said. Every family needs one, they said. My husband was hinting. The kids were begging. So, I finally folded. As a SAHM of three kids under 12, I knew full well most of the responsibility would fall on me -- the feeding, the walks and the training. But now that my “kids” are in their late teens and heading off to college – let me tell you – getting that dog was the best dang decision we ever made. Here’s why...

They lighten the mood. Let’s be honest. Any household comprised of teens and a menopausal mom is like a fully loaded grenade ready to blow at any point (if you know, you know). But guess who saves the day? Yep, doggo’s mere presence is often all that is necessary to help diffuse daily tensions and take things down a notch. When the teen angst kicks in, my suggestion of “go see the puppy” beats any chill pill. Five minutes of snuggling is often all that is necessary to keep the eye-rolling and attitude at bay. Honestly, he’s pure therapy on four legs.

They bring us out of hiding. If you have teens, you are well aware of their preference to hide behind a device and stay behind closed doors. What summons teens from their screens and caves? Food is a no-brainer. But, so is a dog! OK, maybe it is because you have tasked them with feeding or walking him, but chances are good that they will still linger and love on Fido before they shut the door and resume their TikTok. They may even willingly come out of hiding sometimes simply to seek out the dog for a cuddle or cuteness fix. But enough about the teens. The dog also gets my hubby and me outside and moving -- whether we like it or not -- because no way is he gonna allow us to miss his daily walk!

They are a lifeline. This applies to families whose kids are leaving the nest (sniff). But just because they are no longer under your roof (or visible on your tracking app) doesn’t mean you don’t continue to worry about their whereabouts 24/7. What’s a mom to do when texts go unanswered? Simply scroll through the 427 adorable dog pics on your camera roll, select one and hit send! No kiddo can resist leaving mom “on read” after getting one of these. Trust me, they’re gonna reply back with an “Aww” or heart emoji, which is enough proof for this mom that they are alive and breathing and not laying in a ditch or locked in someone’s basement (because you know that’s where our deranged mama-bear minds go when our kids don’t return texts).

They lure “the pack” home. As our kids separate from our pack by going off to school, work, or wherever life takes them, we parents have to come to terms with the fact that there are more empty seats at the dinner table now. Our once-needy littles have now evolved into busy, capable young adults juggling school, careers and relationships. If the prospect of free laundry or a home cooked meal isn’t enough to lure them back to the nest, a greeting from Mr. Doggo surely will. Before too long, they will crave that magical moment of wet kisses and pure unbridled joy that is guaranteed to happen when a dog reunites with one of his humans. Oh, and your kid will hopefully be pretty happy to see you, too. I mean, it doesn’t matter if missing the family dog is what it takes to bring them back. As long as they keep coming home.

They still need you. If we are doing this parenting thing right, we will feel a little less needed by our kids as they grow into adults. While you may no longer be the focal point of their world, they will always remain at the forefront of yours. That’s Ok. But it does take some time for parents of teens and empty nesters to get used to this shift. A dog eases this transition. Day in and day out, dogs remind us not so subtly that we are always the center of their universe. They are never too cool or too busy to spend time with us. Instead of the toddler that used to be attached to your hip, it’s the dog who now follows you from room to room; who you take to the park for playdates, who can’t wait to go for a ride with you. With the kids off doing their thing, thank goodness you and your better half still have the dog to hang out with and spoil (until you have grandkids, of course).

I can now say that “they” couldn’t have been more right about why every family should have a dog. Our good boy has helped us weather the trying teen years. He has been a calming, sweet presence in our home, literally right beside us through every joyous and heart-wrenching family moment and milestone. So now “I” am going to echo what “they” have always said. Get a dog. Especially if you are a family with tweens and teens. Trust me, having a dog means that as your nest gets emptier, your heart always stays full.

Author Bio

Allyson Acker is a veteran mom, wife, professional writer, wine lover and Yacht Rock addict. She lives in Arizona with her hubby, three teens and one fur baby. Check out her blog, www.lifeaftercarpool.com, which features humor, inspiration and tips for moms who have been there and done that. You can also find her at https://www.instagram.com/lifeaftercarpool/