Perfect Child

 Good morning,

I happened to grab one of Catherine's cups this morning. The other side of it says, "Dog Mom." Someone gave her this one as a gift.

I must say raising human children is not as easy as raising canine children.  We have three human children and I am so very happy to say they are all potty trained, educated, and employed, the three things I've always joked are the goals of parenting.  They now have or are old enough to have children of their own.  As I look at the world today, I feel so very lucky that I raised my children when I did and blessed that they all turned out so well.  

And, the canine "children?"  We have always had dogs and sometimes some cats, too.  We have had Dachshunds, German Shepherds, and for the past 23 years Labrador Retrievers.  They have all been wonderful, but these Labs are the most energetic, happy dogs I've ever seen.  Just like human children, they get hurt and sick sometimes so need medical care.  They go to school, athletic events, train, practice, and bring home ribbons and awards.  They are shadows wherever we go and are thrilled when we get home if we have gone out without them.   They never complain, argue, talk back.  (Ok, with the "minor" exception of when Erik's tummy clock goes off and he tells us he is ready to eat.)

There is one thing you can do with canine children that you can't do with human children.  You can leave your two year old dog at home alone for a couple of hours while you run errands.  Not only will you not be arrested, your home will be guarded until your return.

No, our pets are not children, but they certainly are wonderful warm and loving creatures that add to the richness of our lives.  

Lois