My Dog Isn’t “Just a Dog”

My dogs are my babies. My dogs are my children. My dogs are my entire life. 

The day we met our dogs was undoubtedly one of the best days of our lives. We came face-to-face with an innocent little creature who looked at us like we were the love of their life—and before long, they became the loves of ours. 

Dogs are basically babies that never fully grow up. They depend on us for food, water, walks, comfort, medical care, and love. Just about everything they need throughout their lives is provided by us. We are their caregivers and life partners. And somehow, they give us just as much in return.

Some people clean their dog’s butt, brush their teeth, give them haircuts, bathe them, push them around in strollers, dress them up, let them sleep on the furniture, and even give them their own seat at the dinner table. We kiss them, hug them, talk to them like they understand everything we’re saying—because they do—and our camera rolls are filled with photos of them than actual people. 

And honestly, who cares?

Who is anyone else to criticize the way someone chooses to love and care for their dog? What is so wrong with loving something so deeply that you want to care for it and give it the happiest, safest, and most loving life possible? 

Yes, dogs are not humans—I know. Calling your dog your “baby” simply means that you love them, want to protect them, worry about them, and have such an undeniable love for them. They are your whole life and you simply cannot imagine life without them. 

So why did having compassion for animals become “ridiculous” or something to poke fun at? 

People joke about the “crazy dog moms,” the matching outfits, birthday parties, playdates, endless toy boxes, and countless amounts of money we spend on them, but doing these supposedly “insane” things make us happy and are a simple gesture to show how much we love them. 

Not to mention how much judgment people get for canceling or rearranging plans around their dog’s needs. There is nothing wrong with doing that! If I have plans to go out and my dog seems sad or clearly doesn't want me to leave, I would genuinely choose to stay home and keep them company. It is the right thing to do. What do you expect me to do—hurt their feelings? Absolutely not. 

Or maybe I’m already out and realize it’s almost time for them to eat. There is obviously no choice but to run home and feed them. What if they've been home alone for a while and are just lonley? What if you just miss them? I do. And I just want to go home and be with them. None of that should be considered strange. Choosing your little creature is normal. 

I spoil my dogs. I treat my dogs like family—because they are. I treat my dogs like humans and love them unconditionally. Maybe that’s considered “crazy,” or “weird,” or “too much.” 

Well then maybe I am crazy, weird, and too much—and I’m forever proud of it.