💌 Good Dog Parent? Absolutely

Hey {{first_name}} Dog Parents 💌,

Let’s be honest for a second.

You’ve had moments where you felt like you messed up.
Maybe your dog whined too long before you got up.
Maybe you forgot to refill their water bowl.
Maybe they pulled on the leash and you snapped a little too hard.

And in that moment, something whispered: “You’re not doing enough.”

Here’s the truth,  that voice is wrong.
You’re not failing.
You’re showing up.

Let’s be honest…
You love your dog more than some people love people.
That’s not a joke. It’s your reality.

You know their sleepy sighs.
You feel their tail thump when you just think about reaching for the leash.
You’d do anything to keep them happy and safe.

So when…

It doesn’t just sting. It sinks you.

You feel like you failed someone who gives you their whole heart. Every day. No conditions. No questions.

But that guilt? It often comes from impossible expectations like:

❌ “My dog should always be entertained.”
❌ “I shouldn’t get frustrated or tired.”
❌ “Training setbacks mean I’m falling behind.”
❌ “I should enjoy every moment, even the tough ones.”

Here’s the truth:

Your dog doesn’t need you to be perfect.
They need your presence.
They need your soft return after the storm.
They need your consistency, even if it’s messy sometimes.

📌 Perfection isn’t love. Showing up is.

Ever feel like your dog deserves something a little more special?

This is that moment.

Apple Crunch Pupcakes are a simple, oven-baked treat with just the right balance of softness and crunch, made with real apple, oats, and love.

Perfect for:

All you need is a blender, a freezer, and a dog who’s ready to snack.

Want the full recipe and more just like it?

Let’s rewrite the job description and make it real.

A good dog parent isn’t the one with the cleanest floors or the best recall score at the park.

It’s the one who…

✅ Notices when their dog is “off”  and pauses to check in
✅ Feels a little guilty, not because they’re failing, but because they care
✅ Makes mistakes,  but chooses softness instead of shame
✅ Creates a home that whispers “you’re safe” in every small routine
✅ Learns alongside their dog, not above them

If you’ve ever sat on the floor and whispered,
"I’m trying my best,”
then hear us loud and clear:

📌 You are a good dog parent.

You might not always feel like you’re getting it right.
But your dog knows.

Look for these quiet reminders:

🐶 They lean into your side when the world feels big
🐾 They follow you from room to room, not because they need something, but because they need you
🧸 They nap near you, soft, vulnerable, totally at peace
🎾 They bring you toys, not just to play, but to connect
💛 They choose to be near you, even when they could walk away

These aren’t random moments.
They’re your dog’s love letters.
And they’re loud, even in silence.

📌 You are their safe place. That matters more than anything.

We’re celebrating you this week.

📸 Snap a photo of your dog curled next to you, licking your hand, or just doing that thing that melts your heart.

🎯 Tag us @usadogowners and use the hashtag #GoodDogParent
We’ll feature real dog parents doing real love, no perfection required.

📧 🐾 Loved this article? Share it with a fellow dog lover!

This is your reminder.

Your dog already knows it.
We see it too.
So take the leash, the treat, the breath and keep going.

Wags & gratitude,
Mark
USA Dog Owners Association
Because every dog deserves to feel their best. And so do you. 🐾

📬 Subscribe to our full dog-loving universe: dogowner.beehiiv.com
👥 Join the community on Facebook: USA Dog Owners Facebook Page
📸 Tag us on Instagram: @usadogowners
🎥 Watch the breed in action: YouTube Channel