As the children I gave birth to get older, spread their wings and threaten to move out, I find myself having to mother the canines in our life as if they were babies.  Or that’s what the humans in my house accuse me of.

That’s little Rosie on the left. As one of the pups in the last litter our momma Olde English Bulldogge had, she’s been a part of our lives since she took her first breath. For those of you who disagree with me about how dogs can be like children, check out the following list.

1) Don’t do that! – The number of times I tell our little toddler to not do something compares very closely to when my little ones went through their terrible twos.

2) You’ll ruin your dinner! – Rose will beg for treats the same as any kid who begs to have ice cream before dinner. The picture shown is the perfect example. She’s eying the bank teller and hoping there will be a milk bone when the canister comes back.

3) No pouting! – Had there not been a treat, my baby-girl would have put her head down on the seat and covered her nose with her paws. Dogs pouting? Most definitely!

4) A blankie and a teddy! -Just like the kids, Rose has her favorite toys…and a favorite blanket and when it’s nap time of playtime she goes to those favorite comforts.

5) Nighty-night! – We know when it’s bedtime without looking at the clock. Our little baby paces around, circles in her bed, and moves from lap to lap. Sighing and snuggling. Begging for bed.

I know I’m not alone. Most pet owners treat their animals like children, but how many of you have animals that act like children?