National Pet Month: Celebrating the Highs and Lows of Dog Motherhood

April is National Pet Month - a time to celebrate the unconditional love, unwavering companionship, and pure joy our fur babies grace us with every single day.

For me, being a dog mum is one of the greatest privileges on earth. Vivienne and Trixie have been constants in my life since they were just a few months old, and have shaped me in ways I never imagined. They’ve given me a sense of purpose, responsibility, and a daily reminder of what it means to love and be loved unconditionally.

But like all kinds of parenthood, dog motherhood comes with its own set of highs and lows - challenges and rewards that deserve to be shared, not only to celebrate the incredible bond we have with our dogs but to support and guide future dog parents on their own journeys.

How Becoming a Dog Mum Changed My Life

Smiling woman holds a fluffy white puppy against a starry blue background, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.

Welcoming Vivienne into my life in my late teens was a true turning point.

Going from a struggling teenager with no clear plan, goals, or responsibilities to being the centre of a small puppy’s universe provided me with a reason for being, and totally transformed my approach to work and life.

Suddenly, I had a reason to get up in the morning and two futures to plan for. I needed stability, routine, and, most importantly, a secure income to provide for her - a newfound responsibility that carried me through some of the toughest moments of my early career.

While I’ll admit that I've made a few mistakes along the way, being Vivienne's mum has shaped me into the person I am today - one who is fiercely protective and passionate about creating the best possible life for my girls.

Overcoming the Puppy Blues

Woman smiling in a pink patterned robe cuddles a black and white dog on a couch. The setting is cosy and relaxed.

I’ve already spoken in depth about my experience with the puppy blues, but it's a topic I believe is once again important to share - especially during a month dedicated to responsible pet ownership.

The reality is, the early weeks of new puppy parenthood can be overwhelming, and when I was caught up in unwavering feelings of exhaustion, anxiety, and guilt, I convinced myself we had made a mistake by adding Trixie to our family. In fact, if it hadn’t have been for a puppy training group on Facebook educating me that my feelings were normal and could be overcome, I dread to think what the outcome may have been.

Looking at Trixie now, I’m exceedingly proud of how far she, I, and our whole family have come, and I know I would go through those difficult weeks a hundred times over to have her in my life. But I also know that many people don’t make it through that stage.

The puppy blues contribute to a large number of dogs being re-homed before they even get the chance to settle, which is why raising awareness is so important. If more people understood that those early struggles are temporary, we could help keep more dogs in their loving homes.

A Lifetime of Comfort & Companionship

A child in a blue coat and purple hat sits on steps, smiling, holding a red plush toy. Brick wall and white door in the background.

Dogs have always been a source of comfort and companionship for me. In fact, if you look back at my childhood photos, you’ll struggle to find one where I don’t have a soft toy dog in my arms!

Now, as an adult, Vivienne and Trixie provide that same sense of comfort, remaining at the forefront of every life decision.

The house my husband and I bought in 2022, for example, wasn’t just chosen for us - a spacious, secure garden for Vivienne was a must! And while it may not be Instagram-perfect (dog hair and mud splatters are practically permanent features), it’s filled with love, joy, and plenty of doggy kisses - the way every home should be!

You can read more about my lifelong love of dogs and those that shaped it in my blog, Paw Prints on My Heart: To All the Dogs I've Loved Before.

Separation Anxiety - Not Theirs, But Mine!

Blonde woman smiling with two dogs in a grassy park, one in a green harness, the other in a red plaid coat. Trees in the background.

Separation anxiety in dogs is widely spoken about, but did you know that it’s also common in dog parents? In fact, a 2023 study by CertaPet found that 47% of American dog parents experience separation anxiety when away from their pets!

As ridiculous as it might sound to some, I’ll make no secret of the fact that I hate being separated from Vivienne and Trixie. To me, they are more than just pets - they’re my family. And just like a parent wouldn’t want to be away from their children for a prolonged period, I feel the same about them.

When we’re apart, I worry about their wellbeing even more than when we’re together: Do they miss me? Are they eating properly? Will they settle at night without me there?

So, while many people scoff at phrases like “dog parent” and “fur baby”, to me, they are the greatest testament to the bond we share with our pets. They’re not just animals we own - they’re our companions, our comfort, and an irreplaceable part of our family.

Final Thoughts: A Love Like No Other

Being a dog mum is about so much more than feeding, walking, and cuddling. It’s about building and nurturing a bond that transcends words, and accepting the rough with the smooth - even if that does mean early morning wake-up calls and chewed up furniture!

Yes, my house might be tidier without Vivienne and Trixie. My bank account would probably be healthier. And my weekends might be a little less chaotic.

But my heart would be emptier.

So, this National Pet Month, I’m celebrating the love, laughter, and endless happiness my girls bring into my life. Despite the highs and the lows, their unwavering companionship is something I’ll never take for granted.

Pink background with red paw prints and text: "The world would be a nicer place if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog - M.K. Clinton."