Hello, fellow canine parents! I got to thinking the other day of how we can leave our roughly two-year-old pups home alone but obviously, we can't leave our two-year-old children home alone? I thought about this as I drove away with our two dogs lounging as I left for a few hours. Welcome to my deep thoughts about this. When your furry friend is around the age of two, it's not the terrible twos – it's the terrific twos! We have peace of mind about leaving them unless of course, they have separation anxiety or something.

What are the Paw-sibilities?? Unlike humans, dogs age at an exponential rate. It's like human years times SEVEN. So, when your pup is potty trained, no longer teething, and has been well exercised, it's like they've earned their doggy diploma in adulting. They're ready to handle the household reins while you're away, proving that age is just a number – especially in dog years! If they are two, it's like thier 14! That is definitely a reasonable age to leave your kids home alone so it feels ok to leave a dog that is 14 in human years alone. Can you imagine what would happen if you left a two-year-old child home alone? They still NEED their parents for literally everything but coloring on the walls. I mean, who would feed them? Put them down for a nap with a fresh diaper? A two-year-old certainly wouldn't lay themselves down for a nap or to relax. Who would play with them and challenge their brains? You definitely cannot leave a two-year-old child home alone. Plus you wouldn't want Child Protective Services to be called. But no vet or police station is getting called if you leave your two-year-old dog home alone.

It's funny because my true love for dogs comes from me seeing all of them as three-year-olds. It's so easy to look past some qualities or forgive some things they do when you view them as three-year-olds children. Some dogs' tendencies, especially other people's dogs, can be annoying. But if you think of a three-year-old, they are being naughty because they want attention. They can play independently but enjoy your company too. They are grumpy because they are hungry. They are in your space because they want to play. It's hard to resist their innocent eyes. Their curiosity is so pure and sweet. When they bark they are trying to protect us but don't have the rationality to know who is bad or good. They don't know right and wrong just yet, well the simple stuff they do. Just like a three-year-old. And in the same breath, at three they are 21 in human years. We should be pouring them a drink to enjoy while we are gone. LOL

But, around your pup's second birthday, they have likely aced house training, conquered basic commands, and mastered the art of not turning your favorite couch into a chew toy. They've graduated from the school of puppy antics and are now ready to enjoy the sweet taste of independence – all in the comfort of their home. While they still have a zest for life, they've learned to manage their energy better. A few toys, a cozy spot, and they're content to relax while you're out. Just throw in a few brain-teasing toys to keep their sharp minds engaged till mom and dad return home!

While I hate that they age faster because we only get to love them for a short time, it's nice to have peace of mind leaving them at the age of two...proving age is only a number! If your furry friend is anything like my two dogs they are really just napping in your absence. But I encourage you to take your pup with you and make memories together like a sniff fest at the local dog park!