HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO THE MOTHERS OF 4 PAWED CHILDREN

Happy Mothers Day to all of you who have children who are a bit hairy 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 OK baby, mommy's here".

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

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

For all the mothers who make their own dog food and treats. And for all the mothers who don't.

This is for the mothers who help the new mothers deal with the loss of their litter. And the mothers who help them cope when their litter leaves to go to their new homes.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections consist 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 of the mothers who yell at their dogs in the park and then firmly tug on their 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 takes 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 her breath when she can't see a leash on a dog in a 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 dogs to the vet assuring them they would be no needles only to be told they needed a blood sample.

This is for all the mothers whose dog has gone missing and returned because she had the foresight to have a chip put between it's 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 at the same time?

Or is it her heart?

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

The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread when you hear heaving at 2:00am?

Years later, when you have no other choice but to put your friend down?

The emotions of motherhood are universal so this is for all of you. 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 mom.

Happy Mother Day,
From the huMom,
Lynn