5.13.2012

I'm A Mom, Too

Definition:  Mother-
Noun: "A woman in relation to a child or children to whom she has given birth."

According to that definition... I wouldn't be considered a "mother."
I've never conceived, carried, or given birth to a child.
And of course, I have no human children of my own.

However... according to that definition, the many women who have adopted human children --and then, loved and raised them as their own-- wouldn't be considered "mothers" either.

So, in my opinion, that definition kinda sucks.

But... what do I know, right?
I'm not a "real" mom anyway.

In the past, certain people have said to me:
"You'll understand one day, when you have children..."

They say this with certainty... as if I'll never fully grasp even the most basic of life concepts... until after I've given birth to a child.

As if the act of giving birth... is the only thing capable of making me a "real" person.

As if I'm currently living in some kind of self-involved, fantasy world that shields me from the realities of life.

And... as if I currently have no "children" of my own.

Well... I have to respectfully disagree with all of that. 

Here's my opinion... 
First of all, being a parent... doesn't make you a person.
Being a person... makes you a person.
Not one human... is any more of a person... than any other person.

Further...
Conceiving a child doesn't make you a mother.
Carrying a child doesn't make you a mother.
Giving birth to a child doesn't make you a mother.

Instead...
Loving, nurturing, raising, protecting, defending, teaching, guiding, caring, and providing for a "child"... every single day... no matter what...
That's what makes you a mother.

Loving them so much... that you're willing to place their needs well-above your own...
That's what makes you a mother.

Loving them so unconditionally... that there's simply nothing they could ever do to sway your devotion from them...
That's what makes you a mother.

Doing all of these things... to the very best of your ability... even when you don't have to...
That's what makes you a mom.

I don't care what anyone says...
Trust me...
I'm a mom.

Ask any of my dogs...
They'll tell you...
I'm a mom.

Ask anyone who has ever seen me with them...
They'll tell you...
I'm a mom.

Ask MY mom...
She'll tell you...
I'm a mom.

Maybe I'm just a "dog mom"...
But trust me...
I'm a mom.

Being a dog mom is different...
Mostly because... your kids never "grow up."
They'll always need you; they'll always want you; they'll always depend on you for everything they need... for as long as they're here with you.

It's also different, because many people don't take you seriously.
It's just a dog. A dog is not a "real child," and you're not a "real mom."

Others are offended... that you'd even have the nerve to compare your dogs to children: "Dogs are dogs. They are not people, and they are certainly not children."

That's their opinion... but once again, I respectfully disagree.

I am a mother.
I have countless children.
Yes... they are dogs.

Some live here with me...
Some live with new families...
And some have left me for Heaven.

But they are all my children... each adopted into my heart... forever.

I dedicate my life to my "children."
I spend all day, every day, with them... doing things for them. 
It's my job: I'm a mom.

I give them everything that I have, and I love them with everything that I am.
I surrender my wants, for their wants.
I deny my needs, for their needs.

When they're hungry, I feed them.
When they're thirsty, I water them.
When they're dirty, I bathe them.

When they're messy, I clean for them.
When they're sick, I care for them.
When they're afraid, I comfort them.

When they need exercise, I walk them.
When they need playtime, I play with them.
When they need rest, I rest with them.

When they need saving... I rescue them.

Of course...
None of this makes me special...
It just makes me... a mom.

That's what moms do.
And I'm a mom, too.

Happy Mother's Day, to all the dog (and cat) moms out there.
You're a mother, too...
And no one can ever take that away from you.

"Never forget for a single minute... you didn't grow under my heart... but in it."


*PS- Wishing an extra-special Happy Mother's Day to my mother... the woman who taught me how to be a "mom" ... because she's the best mom ever.

47 comments:

  1. I agree with you 100% Ashley! I have no human children either but I have 3 beautiful fur children one of with is in heaven. I hope you have a Beautiful Mothers day, and God Bless you for all you do for the furkids!

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  2. Happy Mothers Day Ashley! Kisses to all your fur babies <3

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  3. Happy Mother's Day, Ashley....You are a great MOM, just ask any of your children, and they'll say, "she's the BEST" Regina Sellers

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  4. Thank you so much for telling it like it should be said. I have three fur babies and people always say the same to me but I am with them for all - that's a mom.

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  5. Ashley. I effing love you. Happy Mother's Day!!!! <3 -Lacy EndBsl Marshall

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  6. I cannot begin to explain how much I agree with you!!!
    Happy Mothers Day... to all of the "moms" who have opened their hearts and homes to adopt their four legged "children"!!
    And to the foster "moms"... words aren't enough. :)
    By the way... I am MY dog's "dad"!!!

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  7. I agree 200% with Ashley

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  8. My name is Aimee Goodman by the way

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  9. Ashley i think you are a mom wither your a mom to a animal or a child they are both just as expensive or can be and yes its true they dont grow up and supposedly move away... but yet they depend on you they need you and they absouletly return your love. no matter what...My cat and my dog or any other animals that i might have are my children just as my kids are my kids...I am a Mom no matter what..I think the defination of a Mom should be changed i somewhat disagree with that definition. A mom is one that freely gives there love to one that are helpless or to ones that are being raised by you weather it should be animal or human...oh and by the way we are also Animals just the two legged version with a brain that can reason.,..lol

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  10. I have had LOLCats (still do) and Goggies...and I've loved 'em all with all my heart & soul...I miss 'em all so much except for the one who shares my life right now...they're in Heaven w/my Mom & Dad, and I'll see 'em all again when it's time...

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  11. As a mom of three "human" children I can say you are in my eyes a great mom! And like I said to you before your babies are so lucky to have such a great mom! People think I'm crazy because my cats and gineua pig are my kids as well. I just think it means "we" have more passion then they do about other living creatures. To be honest I like dogs better than people ;) I hope you have a great Mothers Day! Keep up with the good work mama <3

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  12. I have been and are still a Mama to both dogs and cats.. In addition, i am the Mama to an adopted (human) son. You don't have to give birth to love. thank you for this insite.

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  13. Happy Mother's Day, Ashley!! You are not just a Mom in my book, you are "Super Mom"!!!! I am sure that I am speaking for us all when I say.....we all love and admire you, more and more each day!!! I wish I had your strength and drive!! You and all of your luck dogs are in my prayers today and always!!! xoxoxo

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  14. Oops, I meant Lucky Dogs.

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  15. Happy Mother's Day! You are a great Mom!

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  16. Happy Mother's Day Ashley! I Agree 100%

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  17. Ashley, I read something recently about how dogs view their "owners" (for lack of a better word). By some accounts, they actually view us as their parents! Dogs truly need their humans and don't survive nearly as long without us. I've also heard that dogs are the only non-human animals who bond with humans naturally, and that all other animals have to "learn" to bond with humans. I suppose we can thank the long history of selective breeding in part for this, but I like to live in the present. Right now, I have two dogs, and they love me and I love them right back. I, too, feel very much like a mom to them.

    That said, I also have two human children to whom I gave birth. AND I am an adoptee who couldn't possibly feel more secure with her adoptive family. My family is everything to me. I don't know who is telling you that you are any less of a "person" for not having children, but I will say this -- it's the same as any other momentous life experience: you can't know what it's like until you do it yourself. By that token, I don't know what it's really like to sky dive because I've never done it! You are no less of a person and no less qualified to care for another living creature. In fact, you may be an even better mother if/when you have children because you've had so much practice with your dogs.

    Not everyone feels the same about dogs as you and I do. I'm certain that you treat your dogs better than lots of parents treat their own human children. It really shouldn't be a competition, because dogs and kids are totally different, with very different needs. I'm not offended that you consider yourself to be a mother to your dogs, it just means that you take excellent care of them. That's a GOOD THING!

    I suppose the people who are bothered by your identifying yourself as a mom are thinking about the "who would you save first" scenario. For people with children and pets, like me, their primary allegiance should be to their children. I'm sure you would agree with that. Thankfully, most of us are never faced with that decision.

    Just keep on doing what you're doing and don't worry about what others think or say. Your dogs are lucky to have you.

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  18. You need to be a people mom because you need to raise a generation with the same ideals and empathy that you have. You are such a rare breed my dear. We need to flood the world with you. And as usual, your post made me cry.

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  19. Ashley, you are a mom it may not be of the human kind but you are a mom in every way that counts. If not for you some of the kids you have taken in would not know what it is like to be loved. Some babies you only had for a week or a month but they are your kids in every way that counts. The ones who only had you as their mom for a short while are watching over their mommy, and sending kisses to your heart every single day. So whether it be a human child or a four legged child they are our children and grandchildren in some cases.

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  20. Ashley, you said it well.

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  21. Happy mother day to you Ashley..You are one of the greatest moms ever in my book...

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  22. So perfectly written! Thank you for putting it into words. Happy Mothers Day

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  23. Happy Mother's Day Ashley. You ARE a mom. The best possible kind. Do not let anyone tell you different.

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  24. Happy Mother's Day, Ashley! You truly are a mother in every sense of the word, you have a mother's heart, you've felt a mother's pain. You are very special, just like all moms.

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  25. Oh Ashley, I am so with you on this. I am absolutely Mum to my rescue dogs.

    Happy Mother's Day ( we celebrate it earlier in the year here). You and your dogs are blessed to have each other.

    Angela
    x

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  26. Happy Mother's Day Ashley! My mom mentioned that she saw a mother's day card that was for a dog mom. She thought it was ridiculous which made me very mad!! I absolutely love being a dog mom and I am proud to be one. :)

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  27. I am speechless as the tears are streaming down my face and my throat is so tight from trying not to ball my eyes out. What a gift you are to this world, this universe, your mother and your dogs. Thank you to you and to your mother for raising such a beautiful human being. Happy Mothers Day Ashley.

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  28. Ashley, I effin love you, you're right, I only have my furkid, I can't have "real" children, and yes, we deserve to be honored on Mother's Day too. But technically, we pet parents have our own day which is the last Sunday in April, it's called National Pet Parents Day. Happy Mothers day to all the Pet Moms out there!

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    1. Sly Foxx, good for you! For loving your 'kids' like you do. That rocks.

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  29. Thank you for saying what I wanted to say.

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  30. I am a dog mom too and I am very proud of it. I love my dogs as much as any mom loves their child and they return it in triplicate ....

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  31. If my Joey and Rosie could talk....they would tell you I am their mom. I have two human children and a foster daughter. Is anyone excited when I walk in the door? Joey and Rosie certainly are. I rescued these two old souls and they let me know every minute of the day that I am their momma.

    Happy Mothers Day!

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  32. you are so right, ashley! happy mother's day from one dog {cat, rat, spider, and fish} mom, to another!

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  33. Thank you for putting into words what I have felt every Mother's Day for the past 5 years.

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  34. i was a pug mommy way before i had a child... i didn't i could ever had had a child - now i'm a mommy to a pack of 4!! 3 pugs and my 5 year old daughter... my dogs are my kids for sure!! happy mother's day!!

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  35. ANY woman can give birth to a child and be a "mother", technically... but it takes SO much more to be a "mom". I don't have children of my own, but I have a 15 year old sweet boy that is my best friend, and my 2 sweet rescue pups... without me, they don't eat, they don't know right from wrong, they don't get the sweet hugs and kisses, they don't know the gentle hand of love, they don't get LIFE. So what makes me different from any other "mom"? Because mine have four legs? I am, and forever will be, their mommy... I'm the only mommy any of them remember... YOU ARE A MOMMY!!!! You are one of the best mommies I've ever come across!!!! If anyone deserves a happy mother's day, it's YOU!! So happy belated mother's day, thank you for loving so many and being a surrogate mommy to those that had no other. On behalf of all the babies you have rescued, saved and loved...

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  36. Way to go, Ashley! You are surely a mom. I have one human child and 2 dogs, and my son and I always say that the dogs are our family as well. Every bit. x Sarah in NYC

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  37. Thank you! I really NEEDED this today!

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  38. IMMA A MOM TO MY BABY GIRL SADDIE MARIE, WHO NO.. IS NOT A PERSON TO YOU, BUT TO ME SHES EVERYTHING! SHE THINKS SHES A PEOPLE TOO! SHES MY BABY AND I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR HER! MY FIRST CHILD MY KITTY OSCAR MEYER WHO I BOTTLE FED EVERY TWO HOURSE AND RAISED HIM UP FROM ONLY A COUPLE WEEKS OLD, HE IS NOW A 4YR OLD SPOILED ROTTEN BOY! HES MY BABY AND I LOVE HIM SOOO MUCH! I DO PUT SADDIE MARIE AND OSCAR MEYER BEFORE MY OWN NEEDS, THEY ARE MY CHILDREN, PEOPLE WHO HAVE REAL KIDS WOULDNT UNDERSTAND THE BOND BETWEEN A PET PARENT AND THEIR KIDS, ITS DEEP, AND REAL.. THOSE ARE OUR BABIES AND FOR SOME OF US THE CLOSET WE WILL EVER BE ABLE TO GET TO HAVING KIDS, THEY NEED US TOO! I LOVE MY CHILDREN! SADDIE AND OSCAR! AND THEY HAVE A COUSIN BELLA AND HER KITTEN HAMMIE, MY SISTERS CATS... I LOVE ALL THEM AND MY GOAL IN LIFE IS TO ADOPT AND SAVE AS MANY BABIES THAT NEED HOMES, ONE LADY HERE IN KISSIMMEE, SHE GAVE UP HER WHOLE LIFE, HER MARRIGE, NEVER HAD KIDS, TO RUN A NON-PROFIT RESCUE FOR KISSIMMEE'S STRAY CATS :) THEY ARE SOOO SWEET! I LOVE MY BABIES! HAPPY MOTHERS DAY PET MOMS!

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  39. Thank you for this beautiful post and setting the record straight! I never had "human" children, and quite frankly never had the nurturing instinct, until my Chewy & Lilibell. Yes, I am their Mom, I would give my life for them. I love them with all my heart every single day!

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  40. To mangle Gertrude Stein's most famous quote : A Mama is a Mama is a Mama . And you surely are one . I just commented on your beautiful pic of you and a pup in the water where you ask for toys and so forth...but I'll say it again : THANK YOU . And as I said there I am so broke I'm squeezing a nickel so hard it pups six pennies , but I let my more solvent friend Karen Peterson know about you and she sent some things . A beautiful Mothers Day to you Miss Ashley , from your newest admirer , and a few special PITTY nose-smooshes from big golden Cash and little brindle Fancy . You are truly a fine person .

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  41. HA! YES! This is a perfectly written post. EXACTLY right! Just found your blog today I've read 2 posts and so far Im amazed. You are an incredible person, your writing is fantastic. LOVE everything about your site. =D

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  42. I read this a year after my 22 year old lady died. She was my child for most of my life, the best child a mother could ask for. Thank you for this sweet, simple revised definition of motherhood.

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    1. Your dog lived 22 years? What a blessing, you must have shared so much love. My oldest is almost 16 and I can't help the nerves that are setting in! Any good for keeping my best friend healthy and happy beyond reason?

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  43. Thank you for this post, it's exactly what I feel. I too have chosen to be a dog mom and think of my pups as my kids and get the strange looks and the strange borderline rude comments. Your post makes me realize, I'm not alone.

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  44. Thanks for sharing.We like your blog a lot.

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  45. This is so nice blog Ashley! i am so touched by reading all your blog.It's a great work what you are doing. Keep it up...!!!

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