To all of you who Have 'children' that are a bit hairier than others and walk on four paws!

This is for the mothers who have sat up all night with sick dogs in their arms, wiping up barf laced with edible and inedible things and saying "It's okay baby, Mommy's here."

Who have sat on the floor for hours on end soothing dogs who can't be comforted.

This is for all the mothers who do the walks in the rain, the snow, the mud, when we are sick and exhausted but go anyway and worry about our own health and comfort after theirs.

This is for all the mothers who show up at work with dog hair on their suits, unexpected scratches on their wrists, and poo bags in their purse, coat pocket, pants pocket, and all other pockets.

This is for the mothers whose priceless art collections consist of photos proudly displayed on all focal points in the house.

This is for all the mothers who go to the special pet stores to collect the proper nutritious treats, wholesome healthy food, and safe, fun toys no matter if that takes 5 stops and 50 stoplights.

This is for all the mothers who taught their dogs to sit, come, and stay. And for all the mothers who opted for sit.

This is for all the mothers who when they lost yet one more piece of clothing, shoes, cell-phone, rug or anything of value, that was destroyed beyond salvation and said gently, "that’s ok, it's my fault for leaving you so long that you had to find things to amuse yourself."

This is for all the mothers who took their dog to the vet assuring them that there would be no needles only to be told they need a blood sample, then after the vet appointment racing to the nearest McDonalds, Wendy's, Burger King, to treat them to the burger of their choice out of guilt you had deceived them.

For all the mothers whose dog has gone missing and was returned home safely because she had the forethought to have a micro-chip put between its shoulders and the proper ID tags, rabies, and licensing with emergency phone numbers to contact you.

What makes a good Mother anyway?

Is it patience? Compassion? Nurturing? or is it the ever available treats?

Is it the ability to answer the door, hold back the dog, and deal with a phone call all at the same time?

Or is it in her heart?

Is it the ache you feel when you walk out the door to your job every Monday through Friday knowing that 2 eyes (or more!) are boring into your back?

The jolt that takes you from sleep to dread and sometimes heart-pounding fear when you hear the sounds of heaving, coughing, whimpering or crying at 2:00 a.m.?

The guilt, the anguish, heartbreaking sorrow, the dedication and the endearing love and commitment when you are with them in their final moments.

The emotions of motherhood are universal, and so this is for you all. For all of us. . .the owners of our dogs!

Tell them everyday we love them and we will never stop being their owners.