Honest Illustrations Reveal What Life Is Like Before and After You Get a Pet

Life With a Dog

Life looks different when you have a pet. This is especially true if you adopt a cat or a dog after previously living without an animal in your home. Having a furry friend requires all sorts of considerations; they make your life better, but there are some challenges, of course, too. Taiwanese artist John (aka @mai2john) showcases them all in his series about life before and after getting pets.

In a series of side-by-side illustrations, John depicts scenarios that compare how your home and everyday activities take on new meaning when caring for animals. A big difference is the cleanliness of your abode. One of his drawings highlights how prior to having a dog, your home can be kept relatively clean. But once there are pups, hijinks ensue as chewed up toys and trash are strewn about the floor. And it doesn't matter if you have a cat or dog; you just can't avoid these types of things. Another illustration shows how a day spent scooping sand for sandcastles now involves another type of scooping—this time, it’s a litter box.

Despite the annoyances that can come with being a pet parent, it can’t beat the love and companionship you get in return from your furry friend.

This Taiwanese artist (known online as @mai2john) illustrates what life is like before and after getting pets.

Life With a Dog

Before and After Getting a Pet

Before and After Getting a Pet

Before and After Getting a Pet

Life With a Dog

Life With a Dog

Life With a Dog

Life With a Dog

Life With a Cat

Life With a Cat

Before and After Getting a Pet

Before and After Getting a Pet

Life With a Dog

Life With a Dog

麥麥講 (@mai2john): WebsiteFacebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by 麥麥講 (@mai2john).

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Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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