“Dog mum,” “fur baby,” “pet parent.” 

By JENNIFER SOMERS

They’re the types of terms that make some people cringe – but to me, they are the greatest testament to the bond we share with our pets. I often say that I couldn’t love my dogs, Vivienne and Trixie (pictured above with Jennifer), more if I’d given birth to them myself – and as crazy as it might sound, it’s true! 

So, with Mother’s Day just a couple of days away, I wanted to share my experience of motherhood. 

No, I’ve never carried a child, I’ve never given birth, and my children may not look a thing like me – but as a dog mum, I’m one of the proudest parents you’ll meet. 

What is a Dog Mum?

Vivienne and Trixie have been constants in my life since they were both just a few months old. 

I’ve toilet trained them, taken them for multiple vaccinations and health checks, and watched them take their first steps into the big wide world. When they feel scared or unwell, it is me they come to for comfort. And when they’re excited, it is me they want to share their joy with. 

If that’s not being a mum, I don’t know what is. 

Just like my mum went above and beyond to ensure my health and happiness growing up, I am committed to doing the same for my girls. I make sure they have the best nutrition, enrichment, and care possible. I prioritise their happiness and wellbeing. I love them fiercely and unconditionally.

While it’s often said that blood is thicker than water, if you ask me, you don’t need to share blood or even a species to be family. 

What Does it Mean to be a Dog Mum? 

To me, being a dog mum isn’t about filling my home with cute dog mum mugs (although I must admit, I do have a few) – it’s about responsibility. 

Just like my sisters feed, clothe, and care for their children, I do so for mine – the only difference being that mine have fur, four legs, and a tail. As with a child, raising a dog means making a lifelong commitment to them, knowing that their entire world revolves around me. 

They may not learn to read or go to school, or even be able to say I love you back, but their safety and welfare is my responsibility, and that’s the most important part of parenthood in my eyes. 

And it turns out I’m not alone in feeling this way.

Research by Guide Dogs UK found that 15% of dog owners in the UK are DINKWADs – dual income, no kids, with a dog. Of those, 42% admitted they had delayed parenthood in favour of their fur babies.

There’s no denying that the conversation around motherhood is complex, and there are many reasons why someone might delay or choose not to have children. But for me, raising my dogs is just as rewarding as the idea of raising a child, and like every devoted parent, their health, safety, and happiness remain my number one priority.

Admittedly, being a dog mum doesn’t mean I won’t carry children of my own. Who knows, maybe one day I will become a mum to my very own little person, but even if that day comes, I will always be proud to be a dog mum.  

The Highs & Lows of Life as a Dog Mum

If you think that choosing dogs over children means taking the easy route, think again! 

Parenthood – whether of children or dogs – requires patience, dedication, and, let’s face it, a good sense of humour. From the crazy puppy phase, to the stubborn teenage stage, and the bittersweet golden years, every part of a dog’s life is filled with challenges, chaos and, if you’re anything like me, a lot of worry. 

When my husband and I got married in 2023, we decided the time was right to add a second dog to our family. But any dreams of a romantic newlywed phase quickly disappeared the moment Trixie arrived in our lives.

Vivienne, despite her typical Westie stubbornness and skin issues, had been relatively easy to raise – so it’s safe to say we were completely unprepared for the bundle of border collie energy that came bounding into our lives on 23rd December 2023. 

The adjustment period wasn’t easy – especially for Vivienne, who had been an only child for seven years – and I struggled with the puppy blues (something I’ve since written about for Pets Magazine and on my own blog, Diary of a Dog Mum). It’s safe to say there were plenty of moments of frustration, exhaustion, and guilt.

But despite the sleepless nights, the chewed-up toys, and the sibling squabbles, I wouldn’t change a thing. Watching Vivienne and Trixie grow together, form their own unique bond, and fill our home with laughter and love makes every challenge worthwhile.

While my sisters fill their camera rolls and social media feeds with their children’s milestones, mine are filled with Vivienne and Trixie’s – first birthdays, first Christmases, first family holidays. 

And just like any other proud mum, I’ll never stop celebrating them.

Final Thoughts: Being a Dog Mum Isn’t a Trend, It’s a Badge of Honour

Motherhood takes many forms, and while some may roll their eyes at the idea of being a dog mum, I wear the title with pride. 

Raising my girls has taught me patience, responsibility, and a kind of unconditional love I never knew existed. They may not be human, but they are my family, and their happiness and wellbeing will always be my top priority.

So, here’s to all the mums this Mother’s Day. 

No matter what road led you to motherhood, you are important, you are valued, and you deserve to be celebrated today and every day. 

For more tips, tricks, and advice from a fellow pet parent, visit Diary of a Dog Mum or follow me on Instagram, @diary_ofadogmum.