Dog Moms are Mothers Too!

I'm a dog mom - and proud of it.

I made a choice a long time ago to not have "human" children, but dogs have been an important, and constant, part of my entire life. Which is why I consider myself a "dog mom" with no apologies. I don't care if people think I'm the "crazy dog lady" or if I spend most of my free time with my dog or that I've basically rearranged my whole life to revolve around my dog. This is my choice.

In many ways being a "dog mom" is very much the same as being the mom to a human child. I make sure she eats nutritious meals, worry when she doesn't feel well, stress about stupid little things (like the time she had a "bulls-eye" spot on her belly that I thought was a deer tick bite which the vet later told me was just a black fly bite and not to worry), spoil her with too many toys, home-school her with trick-training books, take her to the park, give her baths, and pretty much think about her all day long.

This is what moms do. And I'm so lucky and grateful to be Charlie's mom.

Charlie may not be able to create refrigerator art, but she decorates my floors with her muddy paw prints which is just as darling.

Charlie can't vocally tell me that she loves me, but I know she does because her tail wags in her sleep and she pierces my soul with her warm brown eyes after a long day of hiking or playing at the park, so grateful for the fun day she's had.

If you are a dog mom, take a moment today to honor all the things you do for your dog and congratulate yourself on creating a beautiful life for your dog. Unlike human children, we know our "kids" come with an expiration date. Make this a memorable day and bask in the innocent joy that dogs exude and live in the moment, as dogs do. Let them remind you of your own childhood innocence and appreciate the love they give.

You're a dog mom, and you've made a difference in the life of your dog. Happy Mother's Day.