This year, Mother’s Day is May 12 and National Dog Moms Day is May 11. It’s the perfect weekend to celebrate moms and dog moms!
A dog mom can be anyone. They can have one dog or a puppy squad. They might have human children or just their furry friends. They could be dog people through and through, or have a puppy, two kittens, and a parakeet. Dog moms can live anywhere and do anything.
But no matter how different they are, all dog moms have at least one thing in common — they love their dogs and want them to have the best lives possible.
At Embark, we asked our social media followers to tell us their favorite thing about being a dog mom and we were blown away by the messages we received. We heard your emotional, touching stories about the puppies you raised and the dogs you adopted. You told us how your dogs inspire and comfort you. And most importantly, you shared just how much you love your dogs — and how they love you right back.
“Even when he’s being naughty, he’s goofy and cute. I know I shouldn’t laugh when he steals my socks, but he just looks SO proud of himself and it brings me joy.”—Robin
Here are the top four reasons why being a dog mom is the best.
1. Comfort and hope
When you’re a dog mom, you always have someone by your side. Maybe you had a terrible day at work. Maybe you’re in a fight with your best friend. But when you’re snuggled up on the couch with your dog, everything feels just a little better.
“Having a companion that brings so much joy to your life without even trying.”—Jessica
Sarah B said their favorite part of being a dog mom was when “they look at you and you know everything is going to be alright.” Another Embark Instagram follower said one of the best parts of being a dog mom is their dog’s “loyalty and the healing he has brought to me for anxiety.” From “middle of the night snuggles” to “Bulldog snores,” dog moms made it clear that just being around their pets makes every day a little better.
2. Somebody is always happy to see you
Sure, dogs make us happy. But being a dog mom also means you get to see the way you make your dog happy. On Instagram, @maximussirius said the best part of having a dog was hearing those “tippy taps you hear outside the door when you get home from work.” And Anna said, “Seeing how your dog is so happy to see you first thing in the morning! It’s a great start to your day!”
“When I start to wake up in the morning, as soon as I move I immediately hear my pups tails start pounding against the bed, wiggle-waggling with excitement.”—Brittany P.
When you see how happy your dog is to spend time with you, you know you’re a great dog mom.
3. Watching them grow and learn
When you become a dog mom, you’re starting a journey with your pup that will change you both. From learning new skills to getting bigger (and bigger… and bigger!), you told us how powerful and fulfilling it was to help your dogs grow into the wonderful companions they became.
Katie said, “I watched my Poodle (Lucy) go from a tiny 15-week-old puppy to a 4-year-old with 6 AKC titles.” Cheryl told us the best part of being a dog mom was “rescuing Bruiser as a 1-and-a-half-year-old out-of-control German Shepherd and watching him bloom into the wonderful helper and companion he is now. In the past 5 years, he has earned his CGC, 4 AKC Trick Dog titles, and is a service dog trained to help me with mobility and picking up objects. I am so blessed to have him and can’t imagine my life without him.”
4. The unconditional love
The best thing about being a dog mom? The absolute, no-string-attached love you get from your pups. This was hands-down the number one answer we heard from dog moms again and again. At the end of the day, the love between a dog mom and her pup just can’t be beat.
“They love us absolutely unconditionally, and it’s the least we can get them back in return.”—Barbara
Are you looking for the perfect gift for the dog mom in your life? Or maybe you’re a dog mom who wants to understand your dog better than ever? Celebrate Mother’s Day with the dog DNA test trusted by millions of pet parents.