I would NEVER say having a dog is the same as having a child or children. It’s not. I would also never say being a parent is easy. I respect parents so much. But, personally, I feel there are definitely *similarities between having a child and having a dog. Loving, responsible pet owners absolutely go through “child-like” experiences with their animals.

When Teddi was a puppy, I woke up in the night almost every half hour to let him out to the bathroom. This went on for more than a month. No, it’s not the exact same as a child, but I also lost A LOT of sleep

Recently, Louie was sick, he had an upper respiratory infection. I got three hours of sleep while I stayed up with him all night as he threw up. Guess who got to clean up the mess? Then, first thing in the morning I took him to the vet which cost me around 160.00. When your child is sick you can take a sick day, but it’s frowned upon if you want to take a sick day to stay with my dog at the veterinarian’s office.

I take Teddi and Louie for regular veterinary visits. He visits the vet more often than I visit the doctor. Yes, I often put the needs of my dog before my own, just like a parent does for a child.

No, Teddi and Louie doesn’t need braces or a college education, but I still provide for them. I have to make sure they have food and water, bathed, nails get trimmed, that they goes outside,  get exercise, have toys to play with and that they have a safe and secure place to live.

No, it’s not easy having children. On the same note, it’s also not always easy having pets. Children are welcome many more places than pets. You can take children into stores, to the movies, almost anywhere you want to go. Pet owners can’t do that. Yes, it is socially acceptable to leave pets alone without a sitter, I understand you wouldn’t simply leave a child home alone. BUT, just because I leave Cubbie home when I’m at work doesn’t mean I don’t feel guilty. I absolutely hate it. I’m willing to bet most parents also feel guilty about leaving children while they go to work.

Just as parents love children and children love parents, I love my dogs and my dogs loves me. That unconditional love is the best love in the world. As children make parents laugh, my dog makes me laugh. Just as parents look forward to coming home to children, I look forward to coming home to my dog.

I believe each person is entitled to his or her own opinion. You don’t have to agree with me on this issue, but don’t tell me I’m wrong. Each person feels a certain way for a reason. My reason for treating my dogs like child is extremely personal to me, one that most people don’t know.