Dexter appreciation post! Happy back 2 skool szn 🍎

As a proud dog mom, there's nothing I love more than sharing the joy my furry best friend brings to every season, and back-to-school is no exception! This year, my happy white curly-haired dog, Dexter, decided to lend a paw in getting ready for the new academic year. He truly embodies that happy back-to-school spirit, even if he's not actually hitting the books himself. We set up a little photoshoot on our doormat, and Dexter, with his adorable winks and smiles, was the perfect model. You can see him there, sometimes with his mouth open in what looks like a big grin, or even yawning widely with his tongue out, showing off his playful personality. Surrounding him were all the classic back-to-school supplies – vibrant notebooks, trusty glue sticks, colorful crayons, and sharp scissors. Even my sneakers made an appearance in the background, adding to the authentic vibe of getting prepped. It’s moments like these that make being a dog mom so rewarding; seeing Dexter engage with our daily lives, even if it's just for a cute picture, warms my heart. For any other dog moms out there wondering how to include your beloved white dog, or any dog for that matter, in the back-to-school fun, I've picked up a few tips. Firstly, involving them in fun, harmless photo ops like ours is fantastic. It creates lasting memories and is a great way to showcase their personality. Dexter absolutely loved sniffing around the new notebooks and crayons – though always under supervision, of course, to make sure nothing ended up as a chew toy! It’s all about creating positive associations with new routines and sights. Secondly, the back-to-school season can bring a lot of changes to household routines, which can sometimes be stressful for our pets. If kids are going back to school, your dog might experience more alone time. To help Dexter adjust, I make sure to maintain his regular feeding and walking schedule as much as possible. We also practice short periods of separation before school starts again, and I leave him with puzzle toys or a comforting blanket that smells like me when I do leave. It's important to keep those goodbyes low-key and hellos calm. This helps prevent separation anxiety and ensures my white dog remains a happy, well-adjusted member of the family. Finally, ensuring their safety around all the new back-to-school supplies is key. While Dexter is generally good, I always make sure items like pens, markers, glue, or scissors are stored out of his reach. Some supplies can be toxic or present choking hazards. My main goal is always to keep my sweet white curly-haired dog safe and healthy while still including him in all the fun life stages. Watching Dexter get excited, even about something as simple as new school supplies, makes the whole season even more special. He truly is the best boy, and I'm so grateful for his happy presence in my life every single day.