Happy Fur Baby Mama’s Day
I’m sure phones are ringing at florists across the nation to make sure that special gift arrives on time for Mother's day. Although I wasn't blessed with biological kids, I have two AMAZING bonus daughters and four fur babies!
My bonus daughters were in their teens when they came into my life, so I didn't get to have the experience of raising children. That didn't stop me from having the joy of caring for a living being and knowing the true beauty of unconditional love, though—as a fur baby mama.
Being raised by the OG fur baby mama (my mom), I've been a fur baby mama most of my adult life. No matter if my had fur, feathers, hooves, or fins, they were all my kids. My pets have been such a part of my life that when I met Curtis, he had to pass the test with Mercedes and Spice Girl before I considered him a contender for marriage. My hubby embraced how much I love animals and his first gift to me was three Norwegian dwarf goats.
Eventually our family grew to 13 horses, 16 bunnies, ten chickens, eight ducks, and three barn cats. Each pet brought me so much joy and sometimes tears. When one was sick, I would bring them into the garage so I could hear their voices and tend to them at any moment. If a horse was sick (and believe me, their health can turn on a dime), I would check on them, take pictures of each stage of their healing and sometimes even stay up walking them around until their stomachs settled from colic.
When we decided to move back to Missouri, we knew we couldn't bring all our fur babies with us. I took as much time as needed to painstakingly find their new homes and cried as I said goodbye to each of them. I believe my feelings were the same as any parent would feel when their child leaves the nest and goes out into the world. And I still keep in contact with many of the adoptive parents to my pets and donate to Barn Buddies Rescue who took the majority of our smaller animals.
My current four-legged children are Mercedes, Lady Zsa-Zsa, Melody and Braveheart. Each have their own personalities, needs and wants, and I try to fulfill them all. I am not in the least bit sorry that I spoil my pets with kisses, belly rubs, long spa days (grooming the horses), butt scratches, walks around the neighborhood or in the pastures, vet care when there's the slightest sniffle and I make sure they have the best nutrition that supports their health and immune systems.
Lady Z is my youngest and most demanding pet. She has the youngest child syndrome—i.e. she thinks everything is hers and she should be first. She’s also in training, so Curtis and I work with her as we take her and Mercedes on walks in our neighborhood.
I'm thankful and blessed that God put all these little souls in my life to dote on and smother with kisses and hugs. I never imagined that my life as a fur baby mama would be so full. My pets constantly teach me how to love and be loved unconditionally. They give me a safe place to feel vulnerable when I need to appear tough to the outside world. They see me as their mama.
I know Mother’s Day is meant for human baby mamas, but, I'm celebrating it as Fur Baby Mama day. Here's to all forms of motherhood! It’s sometimes a bouncy road, but the journey is always worth it.
Cheers! Amy