Mother’s Day has long been a time to honor the women who nurture, guide, and love us unconditionally.
The roots of this celebration go back to ancient Greece and Rome, where festivals were held in honor of mother goddesses.
In the U.S., the holiday as we know it began in the early 1900s, largely thanks to Anna Jarvis, who wanted to honor her own mother’s dedication and sacrifices. Over time, it grew into a national observance—a day to recognize and appreciate the many forms of motherhood.
But today, the meaning of “mother” stretches beyond biology, beyond tradition, and beyond expectation, which includes:
- birth mom
- stepmoms
- adoptive moms
- single dads (dad moms) who fill both roles
- grandmothers
- aunties
- and yes, dog moms too
Being Present: What It Means to Mother Today
Modern motherhood is no longer a one-size-fits-all role.
Being a present mom today means showing up with heart and intention, no matter what shape your family takes. Whether you’re raising toddlers, teenagers, or terriers, the common thread is love & care.
Deep, unconditional, daily love and care.
There’s a quiet courage in being a present parent. For some, that presence is literal—getting up in the middle of the night to comfort a crying baby or walk a restless pup.
For others, it’s emotional—offering steady support and love through the ups and downs of life.
And for many, especially those who may not be ready—or able—to share personal stories of motherhood or loss, being a dog mom is not just meaningful, but transformational.
Why Dog Moms Deserve Recognition Too
Let’s be real: being a dog mom is no small thing.
Dogs are like 5-year-olds who never grow up.
They’re wildly affectionate, sometimes chaotic, and fully dependent on their humans for everything—from their food and water to their daily walks, vet appointments, and emotional wellbeing.
If you’re a dog mom, you know the drill:
-
Middle-of-the-night wake-ups because your dog needs to go outside (or heard a squirrel four houses away).
-
Endless routines—feeding, brushing, walking, training, cleaning.
-
Emotional intuition – because dogs can sense our moods and often reflect them back to us.
-
Constant companionship, and yes, sometimes the pure exhaustion that comes from being a caregiver to a being that never “grows up” or “moves out.”
And let’s not forget: dogs have shorter lives.
Their years fly by far too fast, and their loss is deeply felt. Yet in their short time with us, they teach us about presence, forgiveness, loyalty, and unconditional love.
Those are the very same lessons human children teach.
Dog moms pour their hearts into giving their fur babies the best lives possible with:
- homemade treats
- healthy safe treats
- doggy carriers
- personality infused collars and gear
- bathtime soaps, scrubs and pampering
- sweaters and booties
- health insurance plans
- birthday paw-ties
Today’s dogs are more than pets. They’re family.
And their moms are doing the beautiful, often invisible work of loving and caring for a soul who depends on them entirely.
Dog Momming: A Meaningful and Valid Form of Motherhood
No, being a dog mom is not the same as being a mom to a child. Dog parents know this deeply. But the truth is, one form of love doesn’t diminish the other. They can coexist and be valid in their own right.
For many, especially those who can’t have children, don’t wish to, or are not in a season of life to raise a child, dogs become a central, healing part of life. Their companionship fills spaces that words can’t, and their needs give purpose to every day.
Dog moms show up, too.
- They nurture.
- They protect.
- They play.
- They grieve deeply when their fur babies are gone.
- And they do it all without asking for recognition.
But on this Mother’s Day, we should give it to them anyway.
Being a dog mom is not the same as being a mom to a child. Dog parents know this deeply.
Here’s to All the Moms
To the women raising humans.
To the women raising dogs.
To the ones healing quietly from loss, or carrying stories too tender to tell.
To the moms who step in, show up, love hard, and give daily.
Your presence is your power.
Your love, no matter its form, is seen.
And your care—whether for a child, a pup, or both—is what makes this world feel like home.
Happy Mother’s Day. To all the beautiful, brave, and deeply present moms—this day is for you.
COMMENTS QUESTION:How do you like to spend Mother’s Day (by yourself, with the kids)? Let me know what you think👇 in the comments down below! |
Items mentioned in this article:
*I sometimes use affiliate links on our site for items I use, recommend, and love. The links are free for you to use and it helps support my site by providing a commission for the recommendation. I greatly appreciate you clicking on any recommended links I provide.*
Items from this article:
Go directly to my full list on my Amazon storefront with ALL MY FAVORITE THINGS! >
What To Read Next:
