My son asked me if Gigi, our dog, would give me a mother’s day gift and I said why not??? But what was really going through my mind was the size of the love I have for our pet. She is not a pet, she is like a baby, a precious addition to our family to be cared for and loved! If you ask me if I am embarrassed to call my dog a baby, absolutely not! God did not allow me to have any more children and there’s always a reason for everything in this world! So I could love our family and relatives, the children I teach, our 7 pets, my garden and our home!

I would NEVER say having a dog is the same as having a child or children. I would also never say being a parent is easy. I respect parents so much. But, personally, I feel there are definitely *similarities* between having a child and having a dog. Loving, responsible pet owners absolutely go through “child-like” experiences with their animals.

Like when I wake up to take her out or when I come home from work to do that, even late in the night almost every half hour to let her out to go to the bathroom. This is still going on…. No, it’s not the exact same as a child, but I also lost a LOT of sleep.

When they are sick, you clean it up! Then, first thing in the morning, still go to work for a full day. When your child is sick you can take a sick day, but it’s frowned upon if I want to take a sick day to stay with my dog at the veterinarian’s office while she undergoes tests.

I take Gigi for regular veterinary visits and pay extra for the best dog food. She visits the vet more often than I visit the doctor. Yes, I often put the needs of my dog before my own, just like a parent does for a child.

No, she doesn’t need braces or a college education, but I still provide for her. I have to make sure she is fed and has water, that she is bathed, that her nails get trimmed, that she goes outside, that she gets exercise, that she has toys to play with and that she has a safe and secure place to live.

No, it’s not easy having children. On the same note, it’s also not always easy having pets. Children are welcome many more places than pets. You can take children into stores, to the movies, just about anywhere you want to go. Pet owners can’t do that with their pets. Yes, it is socially acceptable to leave pets alone without a sitter, and you would never leave a child home alone… BUT, when I leave Gigi home while I’m at work I quite often feel guilty. I absolutely hate it. I’m willing to bet most parents also feel guilty about leaving children while they go to work.

Also, I’m currently looking for a different house to rent at the beach. Do you know how hard it is to find a decent house to rent that allows pets?

Just as parents love children and children love parents, I love my dog and my dog loves me. That unconditional love is the best love in the world. As children make parents laugh, my dog makes me laugh. Just as parents look forward to coming home to children, I look forward to coming home to my dog.

I think each person should choose what is right for him/her. Treating my dog like a child is what I choose to do. For many of us our pets are not just “animals,” and they deserve respect and love. Yes, I love my dog like a child, and I’m proud to admit it.

Gigi will be present at our mother’s day brunch, for pics and all the celebration at our home! I promise to post pictures of the gift she gave me, but I can assure you that she is the gift in herself!