Dear Pet Moms… A Mother’s Day Tribute by Pebbles the Blind Cat

With Mother’s Day upon us, I feel the need to pay tribute to a special group of (some would argue crazy) ladies… Pet Moms.

Now, first, let me make this point very clear. Some people object to the term “pet parent” or “fur baby”, seeming to imply that it somehow diminishes their relationship with their naked, two-legged offspring. Calm down, people. If a mother is someone who watches over, protects, nurtures, sacrifices for, and gives themselves entirely to another, well, then “pet moms” it is! So for those of you who feel only mild affection or liking for your poor animal friends, I have two words for you. Shut. Up.

Ok. Getting that out of the way, I wanted to do something special for my mom this Mother’s Day. So in her honour, I wrote a letter to you, yes you. For all of you pet moms out there that give so much, love so deeply, and get no recognition on your special day of the year. Here’s to you.

Dear Pet Moms, 

You are pawesome! From fur to fins to feathers to scales, if you love and care for an animal, this is for you.

You Didn’t Give Birth, But You Give Life

Okay, so you didn’t birth an animal. But that is irrelevant. You work hard and sacrifice. You clean up vomit, poop, pee, and unspeakable messes of every kind. Sleepless nights with a sick or anxious pet are part of it. From vet visits to buying that special “premium” food to frantic google searches because you are sure your pet is dying (just go to the #?*! vet already!) your life is a circus, and your pet is the clown.

You take the frustration and discomfort so your animal friend can have a good life. And, oh, what a happy life they have!

Your Home Has … Interesting Decor

Are there paper towels or pee pads scattered in random places throughout your house? Do you have more pet furniture than human furniture? Well, then you might just be a pet mom. So what if cardboard boxes, large tubs of squeaky toys, or perches dotted with feathers serve as your living room decor? This house belongs to an animal. If someone doesn’t like it… buh bye!

Wearing a Fur Coat is Not Cruel

In fact, you wear fur pants, socks, shoes, fur t-shirts, and (if you’re being honest with yourself) even fur underwear. Hey, it’s life. And your sweet furry friends are always happy to help out with your laundry any time!

Pet Moms Know Our Time Together is Painfully Short

No one likes to think about it. But it is undoubtedly the most difficult, cruel part of sharing your life with an animal. Unless you are a mom to, say, a Galapagos Tortoise, chances are high that you will have to say goodbye to your precious friend far too soon. This is a fact you live with every single day. You silently dread it, but file it away in the dark corners of your mind where you dare not look. But every birthday as you smile and make those yummy pupcakes you know. One year gone. Time goes by far, far too fast. And eventually, the inevitable day will come. But you are a pet mom. So you know that your main source of joy, the light of your life, will also be the source of your greatest pain. But you do it anyway. For the animals. And for that, we love you.

To All The Pet Moms Out There – Happy Mother’s Day!

You won’t get breakfast in bed. There won’t be a flower corsage for you at church. You probably won’t get a gift or a card. It is doubtful you will receive any recognition at all. And while you may not have the gifts or the recognition, it’s worth it to you. You don’t care. As long as you have your baby, it is worth any sacrifice. Because all you have and all you need is your love. And that, my friends, makes you a true mother, indeed.

Until next time… Keeping Pebbles Strong!