Happy Mother's Day to all of you who have children that are a bit hairier
than others and walk on four paws!

This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick dogs in their
arms, wiping up barf laced with edible and inedible things and saying 'It's
okay baby, Mommy's here.'

Who have sat on the floor for hours on end soothing dogs who can't be
comforted.

This is for all the mothers who show up at work with dog hair on their suits
and poop bags in their purse, coat pocket, pants pocket and all other
pockets.

For all the mothers who make their own dog food and treats.

And all the mothers who DON'T.

This for the mothers who help the new mothers deal with the loss of their
litter. And the mothers who help them cope when they are given new homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections consists of ribbons
and photos.

And for all the mothers who froze their buns off, sweated gallons and
swatted away bees to watch their precious prance into a ring and achieve 2nd
place and then jump around as though they had won best in show.

This is for all the mothers who yell at their dogs in the park and firmly
tug the leash to get their attention.

And for all the mothers who count to ten because they realize how animal
abuse happens.

This is for all the mothers who go to the special pet stores to collect the
proper treats, food and toys no matter that it take 3 stops and 50
stoplights.

This is for all the mothers who taught their dogs to sit, come and stay.

And for all the mothers who opted for sit.

This is for all the mothers who teach their dogs agility and obedience and
actually understand that it needs to be FUN!

This is for every mother who automatically sucks in their breath when she
can't see a leash on a dog in the non-fenced front yard.

Then relaxes when she realizes that the dog is sitting on it.

This is for all the mothers who took their dog to the vet assuring them that
there would be no needles only to be told they need a blood sample.

For all the mothers whose dog has gone missing and was returned, because she
had the forethought to have a chip put between its shoulders.

What makes a good Mother anyway?

Is it patience? Compassion? Ever available treats?

The ability to answer the door, hold back the dog and deal with a phone call
all at the same time?

Or is it in her heart?

Is it the ache you feel when you walk out the door to your job every Monday
through Friday knowing that 2 eyes are boring into your back?

The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread when you hear the sounds of
heaving at 2:00 a.m.?

Years later, the guilt that won't go away when you have no other choice but
to put your friend down?

The emotions of motherhood are universal and so this is for you all. For all
of us...

Hang in there. In the end we can only do the best we can. Tell them everyday
that we love them. And pray and never stop being a Dog Mom.

-Author unknown