Kids vs. Dogs - Molly

Why dogs are possibly better than kids?

1. They don't talk back
2. They can be potty trained early on (and it only takes a few weeks)
3. You can leave them in a kennel when you go out for a nice, quiet dinner (no babysitter! and no CPS after you!)
4. No dirty diapers (unless you have one in heat)
5. You can vacation whenever you want (with or without them)
6. They are cheaper (no college tuition)
7. They are always happy to see you when you get home (wagging tails everywhere)
8. They don't throw temper tantrums
9. You can give them a bone and it makes their day
10. They won't repeat everything they hear or see (this gets dangerous in the bedroom)

When my husband received his promotion to move to Denver. We talked about how fun it would be to get a dog. Then we found out I was pregnant. We lost our son shortly before our actual move to Denver and I was devastated. We moved downtown in a cool loft and got pregnant again. Then we lost our second baby. Again, I was devastated. But we took the bull by the horns and bought a house and started thinking about getting a dog. On Valentine's Day I was surprised with a photo of our soon to be puppy - Penny.

Penny saved me. She is my baby. She gives me someone to care for. She gives me unconditional love. I know she's only a dog, but to me, she's everything. I know that it's silly to compare her to caring for a child, but when she's sick, I am up at night cleaning up after her. I make sure her shots are up to date, that she has play dates and is socialized well. I try to teach her good manners and acceptable behavior. I make sure to feed her well, keep her clean, exercise her to her heart's content and I spoil her rotten. She is my kid.

Best Valentine's gift ever!

the card and pic were fed-exed to me in Oregon

She has snuggled me after each and every IUI. She has licked away the tears when the test came up negative. She makes me laugh and she keeps me warm at night when my husband travels.

I don't expect everyone to know or even understand how much I love Penny. Some people are not "dog people". But I hope that even though I am not a "mother", people can respect that I feel like a mother. I am Penny's mother (and if not, humor me please). I know she's only a dog, but she is all I have right now and she might be all I ever have.  

My sweet Penny

I can't wait to have a baby. And I know things will be different when we do have a baby, that's a given. But we are so excited for our baby to know and love Penny. And for Penny to care for our baby. It will be an adjustment, but it will only make us more complete. It will make us a family.