Tails Of A Doggy Mother

My theory was that raising dogs would be easier and cheaper than having kids...but at times I am not too sure!? So here's a solute to all you doggy Moms...

Potty training-we've been working on it for almost a year and we still have the occasional accident. The area rug in my living room is ruined. Thankfully with our schedules we are able to take them out every 3-5 hours at night. Yes we still wake up with our kids all.night.long yet they are 1 and 5 years old. On weekends we can sleep through the night but if we sleep in...well,you know. On road trips,there are many times we have pulled over to find a potty for our little passengers when it appears the urge has arrived at the most inopportune time.

Illness-Just this evening I found myself practically dropping my laptop as I jumped up...Chipper had puked and my doggy Mommy instinct knew I better clean it up quick...before he ate it! Ew.Last month Maxine got stung by a bee. She had a horrible reaction and almost had to go to the Vet! Note to self-Maxine is allergic to bees.

Discipline-Chipper,a typical oldest child is smart,obedient and responsible. I was much younger when I adopted him and I followed a strict obedience regime. He was not allowed on the bed,or to bark, or run out the door before me or anything else the experts said to do. He was kennel trained and spent his days in there while I worked. And then came along Maxine 5 years later. I have become a more relaxed Mother. Now both of them sleep on the bed,Maxi on my head and Chipper at my feet.She barks as she barrels out the back door if she suspects there is even the smallest "security threat". I read a new puppy manual..but I have yet to apply any of the advice. She thinks her kennel is a toy and only gets locked in it for a "time out" and is allowed to roam free in the house most of the day. I have become such a softy! BUT..I love my kids.

Grooming-My kids need haircuts too. Every 6-8 weeks and it costs almost 4 times more than a child's haircut at the salon. I also have to bathe my kids and use special shampoo I have to order off the Internet. It costs the same as my hair products do. I HAVE TO brush them at least every other day or they matt horribly.

Teething-In the last year Maxine has chewed through 2 cell phone chargers,2 laptop cords and the cord to my blow dryer for a grand total of $140. Just like kids,you can buy them tons of great toys but they'd rather play with things they aren't supposed to or could potentially harm them. Maxine will also eat just about anything that spikes her interest,she especially likes to eat her poop. Lovely.

But don't let all this complaining fool you,I wouldn't trade my furbabies for anything! I love them both so much, they melt my heart on a daily basis. The snuggles,the kisses and the unconditional love is more than I ever expected from a dog...I don't even like calling them "dogs",they are MY KIDS!! ha ha
So here's to you,the Moms with furbabies! It's not always easy but it's always worth it :)