Dog Mom

    I.
I’m a dog mom.

When I talk with excitement about the anticipation of a new arrival,
No one throws me a puppy shower.
When a new furry family member arrives home,
No one asks to see the pictures.
When my dog improves her behavior or does something cute,
No one asks or listens.

My dog doesn’t sell Girl Scout cookies,
But I’m often asked to buy them from friends and colleagues.
My dog doesn’t raise money for the band,
But it seems that all of my friends’ children do.
My dog isn’t in a French class that’s raising money to go to Paris,
Though for such good causes, I’m often asked to contribute.

I seem to be needed to feed, clean up after, and medicate,
And travel to the vet’s office on numerous occasions.
I have calendars of shots and check-ups to keep up with,
That requires me to be a master of time management.
I do laundry, clip nails, and maintain a regular bath schedule,
And still I am not considered a “mom” by some. 

    II.
I’m a dog mom.

I give and get unconditional love.
My dogs cuddle and kiss and jump up and paw.
I can see eyes light up and tails wag.
Their nudges tell me I’m doing something right.

Our personal policy manual doesn’t define me as a mom.
When my dogs need to go the vet, family sick time doesn’t cover
When my dogs are sick, family leave time can’t be used.
I use my annual leave to be with them during their dark hours.
Still I wouldn’t choose to do anything differently;
It’s my choice to be a dog mom.

I worry the same as a human mom,
I watch every move and change.
I want them all to be healthy and well,
And grow up to be popular with others.

My life is centered on my dogs. 
I practice parenting daily.
When I feel weak, my animals make me strong,
And strengthen my sense of family.

I spend a lot of time at home
“loving up” my dogs.
I enjoy traveling when I can,
But always look forward to walking through the front door again
To be greeted by faces who love me.

The love of my animal children keeps me alive
and carries me through the worst work day.
That love motivates me to survive
the stresses of everyday life. 
All becomes manageable at the end of the day,
When I experience the calm and contentment of knowing
I’m mom; I make a home for us all.

I love as much as a human mom 
And when my dog suffers, I hurt.
I’ve spent evenings lying next to my pets
Administering medication and nursing them through illness.
And when those final days present themselves,
I grieve a mother’s grief,
I’m empty, lost, and in pain.

    III.
I’m a dog mom.

I’ll buy the children of friends and family 
bridal shower, 
wedding, 
graduation, 
birthday, 
and Christmas gifts,
Knowing that the recipient will never think of buying a gift for my pooch,
Or even inquire about their age and health.
I’ll ask how my friend’s children did in school this semester and be shown report cards
Knowing that no one will ask if my dog was able to attend doggie manners class.

So think about your childless friends,
And notice who they love.
Maybe it is a child with four legs, lots of hair and a wet nose,
And ask them, 
“How is your dog?”

The author is a “dog mom” to seven dogs: Satin Pearl, Alice Faye, Obadiah Emanuel (Obie), Toby Morgan, Samantha May, Chloë Rue and Sparkle Eve (she obviously loves the tradition of using first and middle names). Jackie is also “cat mom” to Sparkler (with whom every day is the Fourth of July). Our animal family have all been rescued from either the Fluvanna County SPCA or our local animal sanctuary, Caring for Creatures in Palmyra, Virginia. 

Their individual dilemmas were created by the humans with whom their life paths crossed. The abuses they endured include domestic violence, abandonment, illness and neglect. Some of them arrived at our home needing medical attention. Some had emotional issues such as separation anxiety, fear that resulted in aggression issues, and other undesirable behaviors created by unloving humans and impoverished environments.

Today they are happy, healthy, well-behaved family members who have found their “forever home”.

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