Say what you will

My dogs are my children. Ok...so, I don't have any two-legged children, and -- as so many of you say -- the feeling is going to be different and things are "going to change" when I have little humans pitter-pattering around my house. But today, as things stand, Jake and Luna are my babies...say what you will...

I love waking up in the morning and seeing two sets of big brown eyes staring up at me. I love that when I come home, they jump and wag and twirl like my return is the one thing they have been looking forward to all day. I love that they're always happy to see me, whether I've been gone 5 minutes or 5 days. I love that when they're scared they run to me. I love that when Mario and I sit on the floor to chat, they sit right in the middle, watching and listening to our conversations intently.

And alright, I may go overboard sometime dressing them up for Halloween, planning play dates and caring more about their diet than I do mine, but just like human babies, these two furry ones depend on me for everything in their lives. Their vulnerability overwhelms me sometimes and it makes me strive to provide even better for them.

So, yes. Perhaps the day a "little me" comes along things will change a bit...Jake may no longer be able to jump up with us in the bed in the mornings, or I'll be singing songs about fingers and toes instead of Luna-princesses...but for now, I revel at the lessons of unconditional love and never-ending joy I receive from Jake and Luna every minute I get to spend with them. I can't imagine a better way to prepare myself for little ones than learning to appreciate how much someone or "something" depends of you.

Say what you will...I have two beautiful furry children... and when you pull out the pictures of your little baby at the pool, I'll show you the one of mine at the lake...when you tell me your nursery-stories, I'll be happy to give you my report of their last day at doggie-day-care...when you boast about the great deal you got at The Children's Place, I'll make sure to let you know of all the sales at Petsmart...and if you want to schedule a play date, let's make sure there is a fenced in yard!