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. 

(Author unknown)