Dog and human mutual necessity 

Growing up, I owned many pets from fish, turtles, bunnies, and even chickens. My fish lived in a 20-gallon tank rather than roaming the ocean. My turtles lived in tiny cages, limiting their exposure to the wild. My bunnies were held hostage in cages most of the day when they would’ve much rather enjoyed hopping around an open field. My chickens were simply being used for the mere benefit of receiving eggs. Reflecting back on all these pets, I realize that they didn’t truly need me, in fact, my care was more harmful than helpful. By confining them to small spaces and denying them the freedom they naturally deserved, I was prioritizing my own desires over their well-being. 

Dogs on the other hand, were bred for humans and domesticated to meet our needs. When we see dogs on the street, any human with compassion feels an urge to care for them. Unlike my previous pets, dogs seek companionship and rely under human care. Having dogs has taught me responsibility and true love, as they need us as much as we need them. Taking care of dogs doesn’t feel like I’m keeping them hostage, it’s more like I’m fulfilling a purpose meant for both species. 

 

My Journey as a Dog Mom

I was given my first dog at the age of seven. Saisy, a black poodle, gorgeous curls, and bright playful eyes that lit as she saw my presence. She was gifted to me from a family that didn’t have the proper environment to own a pet. She went from living in a very limited space to having a big yard to roam freely. But along with Saisy came a lot of responsibilities, feeding her, taking her out, and assuring to maintain her well being. To be honest, I wasn’t the best dog mom to her.  Not because I was mean to her, but because I had to be constantly reminded of my responsibilities. I did the best a child could do, though. Every afternoon after school, Saisy would greet me with excitement as I walked through the door.

Saisy lived up to 15 years and passed away from old age. Her loss was my first experience with grief. It taught me the death of of love and loyalty dogs give unconditionally. Losing Saisy made me realize that dogs aren’t just pets, they are companions who lighten up your day. Her passing inspired me to become a better dog mom for my future dogs. I wanted to ensure they lived fulfilling lives, knowing they gave me so much love in return.

Chicharrito came into my life when I was twelve. He met Saisy, and they were companions for a while. A tiny, three-pound Chihuahua, Chicharrito had a very playful personality. He loved my stuffed animals, he’d run up the stairs and drag them down to his bed. I like to believe it was his way of feeling close to me, surrounding himself with pieces of my world. My brother named him after a famous soccer player, reflecting his lively personality that shunned through everyday. As he grew older, Cjicharrito lost his eyesight. Simple tasks became challenging, jumping through the doggy door, navigating the house, and even finding his food bowl. It was heartbreaking watching him go from being such a lively dog to struggling in his aging body. I remember hearing him cry in his crate, I was unsure what was happening, I thought maybe he was in pain. I then picked him up and he stood by the door waiting for me to open it. That’s when I realized he no longer had the same facility to move around. During his most vulnerable times, I was determined  to be present, guiding him through the familiar spaces he once navigated effortlessly. It hurt me to watch him grow old, but it also deepened my love and commitment to him. Chicharrito lived up to 13 years, passing away peacefully.

 

Daisy and Dante: Continuing the Bond

After Chicharrito’s passing, my journey as a dog mom continued with Daisy and Dante. Daisy is now five years old, and Dante is three. They were fortunate enough to meet Chicharrito and watch him grow old, learning love and patience from his gentle presence. 

Daisy is not a stereotypical Chihuahua, she’s not feisty. She’s a very energetic and affectionate Chihuahua. Her playful personality is matched only by her constant need for cuddles. After Saisy’s passing, Daisy clung to me more than my other dogs. She became my best friend, always giving me comfort during my grief. She’s incredibly attached to me, so much so that she refuses to go to bed until I tuck her in and cover her with blankets. There have been nights when I fall asleep and my sister will try to get Daisy into bed but Daisy gets stressed, she whines and scratches her cage until I calm her.  As I look into her eyes as I carry her, I can see how much she trusts me and the loyalty she has towards me. Spoiling her with extra care and cuddles feels like the least I can do in return. 

Dante on the other hand, is a lovable pug with a mischievous charm. He was a gift for my quinceanera, making him more special. Smart and undeniably manipulative, he knows how to get his way. During family dinners, Dante sits at our feet, staring up at us with his big, pleading eyes that seem to be looking straight into our souls. It’s impossible to say no to that face, and he knows it. His tricks never fail to bring laughter into our home, and his affections fill our hearts. 

 

So why do I spoil my dogs so much?

Daisy and Dante are more than just pets, they are my family. I spoil them not just with toys or treats but with love, attention, and the promise to always be there for them. My experiences with Saisy and Chicharrito taught me that dogs give us everything they have, their loyalty, love, and trust. They become part of our lives, sharing in our joys and comforting us in our worst moments. Spoiling them is a way to give them back for everything they have brought into my life.

Spoiling my dogs is the norm to me now. Every night they know they are getting cuddles and getting tucked into bed, they are properly fed and are given special meals at least twice a month. They deserve to be loved and cared for unconditionally. My dogs have taught me how to love endlessly. They remind me to appreciate the little things, like a wagging tail after a long day or a cuddle in a tough moment. I spoil them because they make my life better in ways words cant describe.