Motherhood doesn’t have to be a child’s laughter and their warm hugs. Sometimes it can come wrapped in fur, feathers with no words needing to be spoken. This Mother’s Day, here’s our ode to pet mums and their love.
The word ‘mother’ has never felt like it could be something that could fit me. Descriptions of sacrifice, unconditional love and surge of protectiveness often associated with a maternal instinct have always evaded me. So when I brought home my first-ever pup, Bailey, I saw her just that – an adorable furry friend I’d always wanted throughout my life.
With charming temperament and fighting spirit, I loved Bailey from the very day I brought her home. Yet I never called myself a “dog mom.” To this day, she knows me as “Chechi,” her big sister.
But three years on, this cheeky, quirky and loving furbaby who had a hard run of it early in her life – abandoned and left with a life-long visual impairment – has consumed my heart, soul and life.
I am still known as her “Chechi.” But with every little thing I do for her – from the multi-step bathing/grooming routine, scheduling regular vet appointments for wellness checks and indulgent spending on dresses and toys to hand feeding her when she lacks an appetite, cancelling plans just to spend time with her and making sure I travel only with her – Bailey has become my child.
“Bailey is only a dog to anyone look in from the outside. To me, she is the axis around which my world revolves” – Malvika Padin
And as someone who wants to remain childfree, Bailey is likely to be the only living being in my life who will get to claim the label of ‘mom’ from me.
With it being Mother’s Day the past week, we shine a light on the pet moms who do just as much for their fur babies as they any mother would for their human children.
Astrologist/numerologist Irra H Mathpal looks upon her son and her beloved dog Chiku with equal adoration. She says, “For me, being a pet mom started with bringing Chiku home as a companion for my son, but today, he has become an inseparable part of our family. From waking us up in the morning to waiting anxiously when we return late, his love and presence make him truly special.”
She adds, ” I believe pets become family in the purest way. Chiku understands emotions without words, follows me around everywhere, and fills our home with warmth and comfort. The bond and emotional security they bring should never be underestimated or judged.”
“I never felt the way I felt that day. I felt a sense of responsibility towards her and most of all, I felt overflowing love for her.” – Nishwita
Meanwhile, freelance journalist Simone, who describes herself as a “cat auntie” to her brother’s cat – and is also open about wanting to be childfree – reflects on why people don’t take being a pet parent seriously. She says, “I think the idea that people want something other than being ‘human’ parents seems so ridiculous to people, because we’re sold on this idea that we need to want to procreate.”
As Simone highlights, showing pride, joy and love for your fur baby should be viewed as normal as you would show it for your human children. She says, “I’d love if when we talk about our babies and show photos, people not to expect a human being.”
This is the sentiment shared by freelance journalist, editor and voiceover artist Melita Cameron-Wood who is a loving mum to her two bunnies. Pet parenthood much like parenting a child is “about sharing love and caring for a living being other than yourself,” she says.
“They remind me to slow down and make time for myself, too. And they have taught me to be more present.” – Melita Cameron-Wood
Now in her early thirties, Melita reflects that she had assumed she’d be a mum to a human child by now. But letting go of the pressure of “conventional” motherhood led to simply understand and embrace that a maternal instinct isn’t just about a human child, it’s just the overwhelming feeling of wanting to take care of a living being.
And that’s exactly what she does for her bunnies – giving them all the attention and care they need selflessly and joyfully. From encouraging their naturally inquisitive personalities while still keeping them safe to providing them a balanced diet and taking care of their specific health needs, Melita’s bunnies and their distinct personalities add new layers into her life.
She says, “They are very curious animals and their inquisitive nature makes me see my home in a different way. They are also very good at chilling out and napping, something that I sometimes don’t do enough. So, they remind me to slow down and make time for myself, too. And they have taught me to be more present — we enjoy time together away from screens and that is precious.”
But being the parent of an “unconventional” pet comes with its share of questions and confusion. She says, ” I’m often asked, “Why didn’t you get a cat or a dog?” Many people see the fact that bunnies can be shy or need their own space as a setback, but it’s about gaining their trust. You have to put in extra work and come down to their level for them to see you as approachable and safe. Once you have their trust, it’s an amazing feeling.”
While Melita’s pet parenthood was awakened and driven by a maternal instinct, 23-year-old Nishwita became a pet mum by serendipity. She recalls, “I went out for a walk in Dharamshala, Himachal and suddenly a small puppy started following, she was lost and scared. I took her in my arms and the next second she slept in my lap. I kept her with me and since then I know how it feels to be a mom.”
“I never felt the way I felt that day. I felt a sense of responsibility towards her and most of all, I felt overflowing love for her,” she adds and that is the essence of being a pet mum.
Pet parenthood is not defined by your age, by the species or personality of your pet and neither is it dampened by any external judgement. It is love that makes it way into your life – a heart full of love and eyes filled with trust wrapped in fur or feathers – reminding us that being a mother doesn’t need more much than abundant love.
Bailey is only a dog to anyone look in from the outside. To me, she is the axis around which my world revolves. Will I ever outwardly refer to myself as anything but Bailey’s Chechi? I don’t have the answer to that. But in my heart, with every cuddle I have with her at bedtime, in every worry I hold for her and for every day I continue to live on for her sake, I know I am her mother.
I love her selflessly, purely and unconditionally – and who can do that if not a mother?
Are you a pet mum/pet parent? Share pictures with your baby if you are via Instagram . Visit Lyrical Muse for our full series of features to celebrate Mother’s Day!
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