There are, I believe, people like me, who think of themselves as "Dog Moms"-- not so different from Soccer Moms, or any other type of mom. While some may roll their eyes when I talk about my furry "children," their behavior, needs, and lives, are as much a part of my life as the human children of others. My life is entwined with theirs. I prepare meals for them, take them on outings, visit the doctor, see that they are groomed, and spend quality time with them. And yes, I talk to them, too.
So it's not surprising that I have the same hopes for them. Not, perhaps, hopes of them becoming rocket scientists, but hopes for good health, happiness, and maybe even productivity. My guess is that I project those hopes and fears, on my dogs, as others project parental expectations upon their children. There's no threatening about making good grades, but I think my dogs know what I want of them. In turn, I think they also know how to work me.
With my past history, I'm worried about my dogs' health. Somehow, I think Caprice knows that. I'm so concerned about her eating before she gets her Prednisone, that I'll hand feed her her breakfast, or bring her "breakfast in bed." She knows she has me wrapped around her paw.
The more I worry about Canon's performance in obedience and agility, it seems he becomes more unpredictable. When I stop worrying, things seem to go smoother. I hold my breath when he goes on the dog walk or A-frame. No wonder he'll sometimes bypass them.
As a teacher, I often noticed that parents created the kids they got. Dog mommas are no different...in lots of ways... That's probably why I especially like the bumper sticker that reads, "My dog is smarter than your honor student."
