Bitsy can’t communicate with me verbally, but we spend so much time together that I swear sometimes she knows what I’m thinking.

I’ve think I’ve also become pretty adept at sensing her needs and wants and occasionally feel like I have an insight to her innermost thoughts. (Uh oh, should there be a crazy dad dog alert here?) As New Year’s Eve is approaching, I began to start compiling a list of resolutions for myself. Will 2017 be the year that I finally make use of my gym membership? Am I going to go skydiving? Will I take up a hobby like I promised myself I would last year? I guess only time will tell, but whether I follow through with my resolutions or not, they allow me to focus and have an energized sense of purpose going into the new year. While making my own list, I started to think of some resolutions Bitsy might make if she could talk…

1. Sleep in extra late on Saturday mornings.
Dad has had a long week and should take advantage of all the rest he can get. I’ll get in a few extra zzz’s to make sure that I have plenty of energy for the weekend!

2. Make new friends at the dog park.
While I’m really happy with the crew that I usually roll with, it wouldn’t hurt to expand my social circle a little bit. Cocoa the Bassett hound and Mayzie the poodle seem like fun pups and friendly enough to accept me as a part of their group. (Plus their fashion sense is on point!)

3. Slow down when I eat.
When meal time rolls around I get so excited that I gobble my food down faster than dad can say “Wow, you must be hungry, Bitsy!” This sometimes results in tummy aches and I don’t get to savor my food as much. In 2017 I resolve to thoroughly enjoy every last morsel.

4. Barf less.
I think sticking to resolution number 3 will certainly help with this resolution. The food just doesn’t taste as good coming back up as it does going down.

5. Get Barkbox delivered each month.
Hint, hint Dad! These packages are delivered each month and are filled with unique and fun products for dogs. I’ve been a good girl this year, I promise! http://www.barkbox.com

6. Guard the house more.
I know Dad can take care of us, but I want to work on being a better watchdog. Last month we had a few pesky mice invading our home and I wasn’t able to catch any of them! (Maybe we need to add a cat to the family?)

7. Play hard to get.
I tend to be very eager and excitable around new people, but I’m thinking it might be nice to add a bit of mystery to my interactions and make these people come to me. I am cute, I want to make them work for it a little.

8. Don’t talk to Dad when he’s on the phone.
I know I shouldn’t bark at dad when he’s on the phone, but it’s like sometimes he doesn’t even know what I’m trying to say to him! I resolve to me more patience and give him his space to talk to friends and work without trying to take up too much of his attention.

9. I will remain calm when Dad leaves the house.
Sometimes when Dad leaves the house for the day I freak out because I’m not sure when he is coming home. I know he’s always going to come back to me so I need to stay calm and enjoy my solitude (and toys!) for a few hours until I see him again. Only the boring get bored and I need to fill my day with adventures! (Of the non-destructive variety, I promise to take good care of the house.)

10. Don’t pee when meeting new people.
When Dad introduces me to his friends or we make new friends when we are out on adventures and I get so excited that I… well… sometimes I pee a little bit. This is a normal bodily function and I’m not exactly ashamed of it but I think it would make these interactions a little bit better if I could wait until introductions have been made.

11. I will show more bravery.
2017 is the year for a lot less fear! I will not be as afraid of the vacuum, fireworks, and thunder! I know these loud noises have scared me in the past but they will not hurt me and I pledge to stay strong in facing these fears!

12. More time for snuggles with Dad!
I know we get a lot of time for cuddles, but I can always have more affection in my life! I promise to give lots licks and nuzzles and hopefully will receive ear scratches and belly rubs.

I hope you enjoyed Bitsy’s list- a resolution for every month of the new year! Do you and your canine friends have any resolutions for the upcoming year? Share below!