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Introduction

Diamonds Dogs are a girl’s best friend

There’s a good reason that so many dogs on social media have millions more followers than our regular human accounts: we love dogs.

In the pet-parenting boom over the last decade we’ve seen the rise of the “dog mom.”—women who unashamedly treat their dogs like kids and incorporate them into their daily lives. But we’re not the cast from Best in Show.

We are stylish, smart, influential women—who simply cherish and value the bonds we have with our dogs.

From organic treats, to luxe bedding, and on-trend fashion, dog mamas want the best for our pups. For dog moms, our pets are essentially extensions of ourselves.

From first loves, to first jobs, marriages, milestones, and beyond, our dogs grow with us as our confidants and best friends.

Dog Mama is not a training or behavior book. I’m not Cesar Millan (my dog still sleeps on the sofa when he thinks I’m not looking). Nor is this a photo book filled with cute dog shots (though there are plenty of those!). This book is a road map for dog moms to live their best lives with their pups.

Over the last two decades my job has seen me learn more dog tips and tricks than I could have ever imagined. In 2010 I started Pretty Fluffy—an online home for the stylish, modern pet owner. Through interviewing experts, reviewing products, and creating pet-parent-focused content, I’ve been steadily filling every corner of my brain with dog-related knowledge.

This book is all about breaking down this information into bite-sized pieces and sharing it with you—in the hope it will make life with your dog sweeter and easier.

This book is for you, dog mama. Enjoy … and give your dog a cuddle from me.

—Serena Faber-Nelson