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Pets... Are They Just Furry Companions or Furry Children?

Which one are they?

By Alix NicolePublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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Wakes me up every morning on cue....like kids

There's always been a debate whether or not you're parents when you only have a four legged furry friend running around the house. Some say because you didn't give birth to it yourself, it's not your child. But you also put the time when they are puppies to teach them manners, potty train them, keep them out of trouble, and make sure they get all the love and attention they need. Or if they're like my dog the attention she wants when she wants it. But I think that's most dogs and cats. When they want attention they get it no matter what.

See, can't even get a minute to start a grocery list!

I've owned dogs for most of my life, but I got my first dog that I am legally responsible for when I was 21. My boyfriend surprised me with a Shiba Inu puppy as a graduation present from college. I fell in love with her the minute I laid eyes on her when I first met her at a pet store the day before. We were having dinner at a nearby restaurant when we decided it wouldn't hurt to stop in at the pet store and maybe play with a cute puppy. Well let's just say two puppies later and about five minutes of tears I completely fell in love with her. I couldn't let her go. Normally I was able to give a dog back no issue but with her I had to fight the instinct to take her home right there and then. I named her Lucy after one of my favorite actresses, Lucille Ball. Ever since I became a pet owner, I've felt the closest I've felt to a mother's love towards something.

Hoping for some French toast

Now people have disagreed with me. They just say I'm a pet owner, a doggy mom as they say but not a real mom because I didn't give birth to my four legged, furry little princess. But I guess to each their own. Despite the fact that I spent a month straight teaching her how to use the bathroom, teaching her right from wrong, teaching her how to respond to her name, taught her manners, you know, all that stuff that parents do. And just like parents I have to deal with her little temper tantrums when she doesn't get her way, just like a child would. But luckily as a Shiba Inu she is independent enough to where she can take care of herself really where she really doesn't depend on me for anything. Except for cuddles and attention when she wants them.

Lucy when she was a puppy with her favorite red panda

Now I would call myself a mother, simply because I feel like I am raising a child despite the fact that she is a dog. But dogs or cats are just like kids. They depend on you for EVERYTHING like food, water, making sure their wants and needs are met, things like that. So can't you really call them children because of the fact that like children they depend on us for everything and like children they want our attention whenever possible?

Seriously dog, no food for you.

I thought my life was pretty fulfilling with graduating college and all, getting my new job, all that good stuff. But the minute Adam brought her home, my life felt absolutely complete. She just filled that void that I didn't know I had. I've always wanted children or work with children (hence my job) but kids themselves are ungodly expensive. Now dogs are expensive too but Lucy's costs have tapered down the older she's gotten so that makes me so happy and it makes my wallet happy too. All she really needs now is food, her bones, and her treats and this dog is happy with just about anything I get her so I don't need to spend that much money on her stuff.

But either way, our pets are there for us any time we need them. Whether we're happy or sad they want nothing from us but our love and affection till the day they leave our side. I couldn't imagine a life without Lucy. And that's what makes them so great, and I treasure every minute that I get to spend with Lucy even if it's just for a short while. No matter what anyone says Lucy is and always will be my first child. And I think she'll make a great big sister when the time comes!

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About the Creator

Alix Nicole

24 year old doggy mommy to an an adorable 2 year old Shiba Inu named Lucy. Loves history, loves to write and relax while enjoying a nice cup of coffee.

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