There. I said it.
I’m a bad dog mother.
Why? Because I have a “favorite” dog. If you only have one dog you’re not that far away from being me. Let me explain.
When we first got Chip (after many eight but who’s counting anyway months of fighting begging, my husband finally gave in) I was over the moon. I had my own little loving furry creature. Forget that he came to us with a butchered haircut. I loved him the instant I saw him. My little $50 Craigslist find was the best investment I ever made in our marriage. Okay, that may be a gross exaggeration, but he seriously brought so much joy to our lives. Chip made us parents. PARENTS. Even it if was “just” dog parents. Whatevs.
Chip-Chip, Chupi, Chupi-chupi, Choopa-loop, Choopa-loopie…the list of loving nick names is never-ending and ever-growing. I love this dog so much it’s scary. I was utterly ridiculous and wiped his butt and wenis penis (it’s okay, you can laugh) every time he went out. Paws included. I’d like to say that I’ve gotten all of the “first-time mom” ridiculousness out of my system in time for when we have a baby of the human variety.
Proof of that was when we got Daisy. Oh Daisy, I am so sorry. I’m sure you already know, and it pains me to even write this, but I have a favorite (fur) child, and it’s not you. You are adorable in ways that Chip isn’t (and that’s a hard accomplishment), but that little chocolate chip of your brother stole my heart. I still love you and I always will, but you will always play second fiddle.
I don’t want to sound like a know-it-all, but I can already see correlations between fur siblings and future human siblings. Chip has been docile and patient with his inexperienced dog mommy; Daisy sees every opportunity to make an escape and create mischief. Isn’t that what little siblings are all about?
Which brings me to the point of this post (I have one, I promise).
Am I a bad dog mother for having a favorite dog?
More importantly, will this make me a bad HUMAN mother? Will I have a favorite kid?
Will I scar my other children for having a favorite and knowing its not them?
Are you a mom? Do you have a favorite kid? Thoughts?
Madi says
I actually worry about getting a second dog, because I think I’ll pick favorites and it would make me feel guilty. Also, IF we have kids I only want one, because I always felt like my parents had favorites, (all parents do even if they lie to you) and I don’t want to pick favorites. :)
This doesn’t make you a bad dog mom or a future human mom, this makes you HUMAN! :))
Amanda says
To be fair, Chip is RIDICULOUSLY adorable. I only have one dog at the moment, and she’s stolen my heart in what sounds like a similar way that Chip stole yours. I’ve also done some pretty ridiculous dog mama things. I’ve considered a 2nd dog, but the boy is not convinced yet. I’d like to think I’d love a 2nd dog just as much, but to be honest our current dog (Sienna) is pretty much the awesomest dog ever, it’d be a hard act to follow/live with.
Breenah says
I feel like with human kids you won’t love one more than another, but you might like one more. I don’t think that’s a horrible thing, some personalities just get along better. If you treat them differently, that’s the problem. With dog kids, I don’t think it’s a big deal. As long as you don’t treat one bad, you’re fine and I wouldn’t let it stress you.
Brianne @ Lamm to the Laughter says
I have two dogs, too, but I love them in different ways! My big black (first) half-Newfie was “my” dog when I adopted her. She’s my go-to dog for cuddle time and outdoor adventure. But when I was to play and rough-house, I (surprisingly) have to go our little cockapoo who is really my claimed by my husband.
Rachel says
We have 2 dogs and its the same. Itsy, we have had a year and is my fav. Zoey we have had over 3 years and is i Chris’ fave. I think it just happens! Don’t feel bad!
Randhi says
Awww… Cute doggys. I miss my puppy back at home
Stephanie says
I had those thoughts when we got our second dog and for the first few weeks I cried saying I could never love this dog as much as I love my Pudge (1st dog). I don’t know that I did ever love Derby (2nd dog) as much as Pudge. They were opposites. Pudge was a little lap dog in a big dog body and Derby was a big dog stuck in a little dog body. Pudge listened and was always there to cuddle, Derby was the dog that ran and slept on the other couch away from you. Pudge died when she was only 7 but I would take those 7 years anytime just to have a wonderful dog like she was. That was 4 1/2 years ago and Derby is now 10 and she still plays second fiddle in my heart. We are going to have our second child in a few months and I wonder how this one is ever going to compare to my first. My first was a boy and I wanted another so I could have another cute lovable boy all over again. Nope I am having a girl. I just wonder how the love is going to compare. I will have to let you know after the baby is about 6 months old.
Ashley says
Your dogs are adorable!! I love the name Chip. You bring up a great point because I want to get another dog, but now I’m wondering if I will love the second one as much as my first because I’m OBSESSED with my first.
Chelsea says
But Daisy is SO DAMN CUTE!!!
Paige @ The Sticky Note Addict says
I feel this way about my mom’s dog! We both have corgi puppies — I have Gatsby and my mom has a little girl named Daisy. But that little girl is my heart and soul, even though Gatsby is my dog!
Lisa @ Sorority Life to Army Wife says
I actually like my older cat (who is 18) more than my baby cat (who is almost 2). Nothing against Purrburger (the younger one), but Kittie (my very originally named older cat) has been with me since I was 6. It’s just not a bond that can be recreated too easily.
Amanda says
This is why we can’t get another dog… Johnny Cakes would NOT share room in my heart with another one! haha