Dog Dad Favorites: The Joy My Dogs Bring (and the Gear That Keeps Us Both Happy)

No matter how my day goes, coming home to my dogs always lifts my spirits. They greet me with such joy that it’s impossible not to feel happier. Whatever I faced at work, whether good or bad,  melts away.

I talk to my dogs as if they were people, asking about their day, even though I already know they’ve spent most of it lounging or wrestling in the yard. They only get out a few times when our dog walker takes them out, and I get picture updates during the day. Yes, my dogs are definitely spoiled. And yes, I have zero regrets.

Working in medicine is challenging. As a naturally quiet and introverted person, the constant social interaction can be exhausting. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job. But at the end of the day, my emotional tank is empty. My dogs are the recharge I need. They don’t ask questions, they don’t need small talk, and they never interrupt. They simply exist, joyfully and wholeheartedly.

Dogs and the Art of Recharging

I’ve written before about how dogs teach us what “ordinary joy” really looks like.

Maui, our Tibetan poodle mix, believes every day is the best day ever. Cooper, his ever-watchful brother, takes his role as family protector seriously, especially if a squirrel happens stroll by our front door.

Each one reminds me that happiness isn’t something to chase; it’s something to notice. Whether it’s the sound of paws on the hardwood floor, the thump of a tail against the wall, or the warm weight of a dog asleep on my lap, these are the moments that remind me to slow down.

Medicine teaches us to measure life in productivity and outcomes. But dogs measure it in presence. They don’t care how the clinic went, how many charts I finished, or how many meetings ran long. They just care that I’m home. And in a world that constantly demands more, that kind of unconditional acceptance feels like medicine too.

Why I Spoil My Dogs (and Why You Should Too)

I’ll admit it. I spoil them. I buy them the good treats, the soft beds, the durable toys that (hopefully) last longer than ten minutes. But here’s the thing: spoiling them isn’t about extravagance. It’s about joy.

Every time I see Maui’s wagging with a new toy or Cooper proudly carrying a chew across the yard, I feel a spark of that same joy they radiate so effortlessly. It’s restorative.

That’s why I created a list of Dog Dad Favorites. It is gear that makes life a little easier, happier, and more connected for both you and your dog. Think of it as a curated collection of things that bring comfort, laughter, and convenience to busy dog owners who also happen to be doctors, dads, or just humans trying to keep it together.

Check out the full list here: Dog Dad Favorites from The Developing Doctor

This list includes everything from coffee mugs that celebrate your “Dog Dad” status to practical walking gear and cozy accessories. They’re products that make ordinary routines feel like rituals—and let’s be honest, they make for some pretty great gifts too.

The Heartbreak and Healing of Dog Love

If you’ve followed The Developing Doctor for a while, you know that not every part of being a dog dad is easy. Losing a pet is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences there is.

When we said goodbye to our beloved dogs, Stanzi and Moe, earlier this year, it left a quiet space in the house, and in me, that took time to fill.

But even in grief, dogs teach us about love, resilience, and presence. They remind us that every walk, every snuggle, every tail wag is a gift that won’t last forever. And that’s exactly why it’s worth celebrating.

Closing Thoughts: Joy, Fur, and Finding Balance

Being a physician, and a dog dad, has taught me that wellness isn’t found in grand gestures. It’s found in the ordinary, in the daily routines that bring peace. Sometimes that’s an early morning walk. Sometimes it’s a coffee on the porch with a dog snoring at your feet.

Our dogs make us laugh, keep us grounded, love us, and remind us all that is good about being human.

So, if you need a reason to smile today (or an excuse to treat your pup), take a look at my Dog Dad Favorites. Spoil them a little. You might just find it’s exactly the kind of medicine you need too.

‍ Explore Dog Dad Favorites on Amazon

Affiliate Disclaimer:

I may earn a small commission if you purchase items through my Amazon links—at no extra cost to you. These small commissions help support The Developing Doctor’s mission of helping physicians (and their dogs) live with more joy, balance, and connection.