From the time I was very young, I wanted to be a mother. When I was little one of my favorite past times was to play “baby in tummy,” totally not cool now that I just typed it. Oh well, I think if you have read my blog you have long realized how not cool I really am. Anyway, I am totally guilty of being one of those people that mothered my pets as efforts to channel my desire for kids.
Clark (my cat) was my first. I got him when I lived in the city and he was a great companion. Then came Wrigley (our dog) who Adam and I got after we got married. Clark, by virtue of being a cat, lived a nice, well loved life in our house. Wrigley, on the other hand, we took everywhere! We took him to friends’ for the night and I took him to work with me every day. And sadly I have to admit, I even dressed him up every chance I got. For his first birthday we threw him a party at a dog park, dog cake and doggie bags were given out. Lame!
It’s possible that he has issues because we got him at a pet store. It’s also quite possible that he has issues because we forgot that he was a dog and treated him like our child. It’s also quite possible that he has issues because he’s related to me 🙂 Anyway, he has issues.
Over time our brood kept multiplying. With each addition, the pets seemed to matter less and less. Now we are pretty much at the point that they drive us crazy. Our 10 pound silky terrier wants to eat every ankle he can find. He barks incessantly at the neighborhood sounds. And the largest annoyance, which doesn’t particularly reflect very positively on me, is that they want attention. Between my two kids and all my other responsibilities, when I’m finally done with it all I don’t want to start tending to them.
We were the epitome of people that loved their pets and made them our lives. Now we just find it hard to give them what they really deserve. But despite these feelings, this week marked Wrigley’s 7th birthday. Although we celebrated a day late, we celebrated. It was not without cookies and presents for Wrigley, special food and goodie bag for Clark. I just hope for Drew and Gabby’s sake that we don’t ever decide that they have too many issues and we don’t want to be burden by them! For the record that was totally a joke…perhaps a bad one but a joke nonetheless!
I'm a mother, wife, daughter, and friend. Until recently I was also an employee. Now that I'm a full time mom, I've decided to make my thoughts, concerns and feelings public.
I am in the same boat!! My “baby” Jack was with me for 7 years before I had my son. As much as I make the effort to give him attention, take him on his daily walks, and play with him, I KNOW it’s still not the same as it was before my son was born…and it makes me feel SO guilty!!! I have to remember that I am doing my best and that he’s adjusted well to the new “situation!” The only thing that I should be worrying about now is that Jack does not “love” Andrea…in fact, he tolerates him, and NOT all the time!! Now, that’s stressful!! After 14 months I can have them in the same room together but now that my son has invented a new game (throwing things at Jack and running into him!) Jack has gone back to his old ways of growling and avoiding him!!!!!!!
Lisa @bitesforbabies recently posted..Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Yikes, that sounds really tough. Good luck!!!