Several months back, I stumbled upon an article from a frustrated mom who took great offense to the comparisons drawn between parenting and caring for “furbabies.” While I initially questioned the need for yet another thing to be offended by, I found myself nodding in agreement as I read her words.
Fast forward to today, and I’m now the proud “Mommy” to an 11-pound senior rescue dog named Max. In the short time he’s been a part of our family, I’ve recognized some striking similarities between caring for him and raising my two children, ages 10 and 6. Either I’m raising a trio of wild animals (which is entirely possible), or dogs and kids really do share more in common than I previously thought.
I Speak in Third Person.
My kids have known my name for years, so I was surprised when I found myself referring to myself as “Mommy” while talking to Max, with my boyfriend as “Daddy” and my mom as “Grandma.” After all, how else will Max learn who we are?
I Control Where Everyone Goes.
I’ve uttered the phrase, “We do not pee in people’s front yards” to both my kids and the dog. Yes, all three have ignored me. At least with Max, I have a leash to guide him, whereas my boys would simply run wild. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than receiving dirty looks for allowing anyone to relieve themselves in someone else’s yard!
Poop is Stressful.
On one of our walks, we ran out of poop bags (yes, I’m the dog owner who picks up after her pet). Max usually only needs to go once, but sometimes he surprises me. The anxiety I felt was reminiscent of the panic that strikes when you discover you’ve used the last diaper in the bag—definitely not a pleasant experience.
Leashes Are Game-Changers!
I never used a harness or leash on my kids, but after experiencing the benefits with Max, I wish I had! With him at the end of the leash, I don’t worry about him wandering off. Imagine how convenient that would have been when my boys were toddlers!
Parks Are a Universal Joy.
Max has his dog park, while my kids enjoy the playground. Initially, they might be hesitant about going (who trusts Mom when she says we’re going to the fun place?), but once we arrive, it’s all smiles and laughter. And I get a few minutes to catch up on my phone—everyone wins!
Aim? What’s That?
It’s been a while since I’ve had to supervise my kids in the bathroom, but I can tell you, cleaning up after both Max and my boys is a messy affair. Let’s just say none of them have mastered their aim, and it’s a spectacle every time!
Love Makes Everything Bearable.
I’ve been peed on, vomited on, and even had to dig out items from mouths that shouldn’t have been there. It’s all part of the job, and though it’s gross, I can’t say I’ve ever considered sending anyone to sleep outside—yet.
Bribery is Effective.
“Can you be a good boy? Mommy will give you a treat!” You might guess who I’m addressing, but honestly, sometimes I’m not even sure myself!
Sleeping In Is a Perk.
Mornings are a struggle, but on weekends, we all enjoy some extra shut-eye. Max is a champion at staying in bed until the sun is fully up, making those lazy mornings a delight.
While I don’t equate my dog with an actual baby (though dressing him up in adorable sweaters can be quite entertaining), I can’t deny the many parallels between the two.
For more insights on parenting and family, check out this link to one of our other blog posts. If you’re considering at-home insemination options, Make A Mom offers reputable kits. Also, WebMD provides an excellent resource for information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, whether you’re wrangling a furry friend or managing little ones, the journey is filled with laughter, challenges, and shared experiences that bind us all together.
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