A while back, I stumbled upon an article written by a frustrated mother who was fed up with comparisons between raising children and caring for pets. Her irritation was palpable, and I found myself torn between thinking, “Why is this a big deal?” and nodding in agreement. Fast forward to now, and I’m happily calling myself “Mommy” to an adorable, 11-pound senior rescue dog, and I’ve begun to see some surprising parallels between caring for him and raising my two boys (ages 10 and 6). Maybe I’m just raising a bunch of wild creatures, or perhaps dogs and kids share more in common than I once thought.
Third-Person Narration
I’ve caught myself referring to myself as “Mommy” while interacting with my dog, and it struck me how easy it is to slip into that role. My kids have known my name for years, yet here I am, speaking in third person to help my dog understand who we are.
Bathroom Guidelines
I’ve had to remind both my boys and my dog that “we don’t pee in people’s yards.” Each of them has ignored me at least once! With the dog, though, I can guide him on a leash. Let’s face it: whether it’s a child or a pup, you’re bound to get some dirty looks from homeowners if you allow either to relieve themselves on their lawn.
Fear of Messes
One day, I took my dog out for a walk and realized we were out of poop bags. Yes, I’m one of those responsible dog owners who picks up after their pet. The panic I felt was reminiscent of the dread that strikes when you realize you’ve run out of diapers with no store nearby.
The Benefits of Leashes
I didn’t use leashes on my kids, but after experiencing the benefits with my dog, I can see how handy they would have been! When I take my dog for a walk, he’s right there at the end of the leash, so I don’t have to worry about him wandering off.
Enjoying the Outdoors
Both my dog and my kids enjoy their respective play areas: the dog park for my furbaby and the playground for my boys. Initially, they might be reluctant to go (who can blame them when they don’t trust Mom’s destination?), but once we arrive, they all find joy in their surroundings, giving me a few peaceful moments to scroll through my phone.
Bathroom Skills
I haven’t had to supervise my kids in the bathroom for years (thank goodness!), but with the dog, it’s a different story. What I’ve learned is that none of them have the best aim. I’m not sure what my boys do in there, but I know my dog is trying his hardest!
Love Makes It Bearable
I’ve endured being peed on, cleaning up vomit, and even retrieving foreign objects from mouths. It’s all gross, but love makes these moments bearable—so far, no one’s been banished to the outdoors because of it.
Bribery Works Wonders
“Can you be a good boy? Mommy will give you a treat!” You know, I’m not entirely sure who I’m talking to most times!
Sleeping In
Mornings can be a struggle until around 8 a.m., making school prep challenging. However, weekends are a gift, especially when my dog refuses to wake up until the sun is fully shining.
I don’t truly think of my furbaby as a real child (though dressing him up in cute outfits is a blast!), but it’s undeniable that there are many similarities in their care.
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In summary, raising a dog has its challenges and joys much like parenting children. From potty training to playful outings, both require patience, love, and a sense of humor.