Dog Mom: A Title I Don’t Take Lightly

Nine years ago I became a dog mom. Having come from a family where we always had a dog, it was a no-brainer to my husband (then fiancee) and I that having a dog would be a necessity. So, we saved up our money (yes, we had a separate dog fund ;)) and brought home our sweet Golden Retriever, Reba in July of 2011- forever marking one of the best days of my life.

Our very first night as a family of three.

For those without dogs, the pride I take in being a dog mom is often confusing. Many would never believe that I cried (make that ugly cried) when we had to leave Reba behind for our honeymoon. Most are shocked when I tell them that I bawled leaving for the hospital to deliver our first human child because I was so fearful of how bringing a baby home would change Reba’s life. (Now, to be fair hormones and labor pain may have played into this scene 😉.) And I’m often met with laughter when explaining that I see myself as a mother of three (one just happens to be a canine and two human).

She preferred being carried to walking. 

She was front and center for our engagement photos.

The truth is, Reba has been by our side through every year of our marriage. She’s been there waiting eagerly with her tail wagging when we brought home our two human children. She has protected our daughters with every ounce of her being and is beyond patient with them when they dress her up as a princess. Reba has licked away my tears during the hard days. She’s been there to celebrate every joyous occasion. She’s never missed a Christmas card or family portrait. And if you were to ask one of our human daughters how many sisters they had they’d always reply with “two”, never failing to include Reba. In fact, when I think back on any memory of our family life, Reba is always right there front and center.

She was the star of our maternity photos. 

Newborn photos with our first human child, Elin. 

Newborn photos with our second human child, Lucie. 

Professional sister photos taken yearly.

Matching family pajamas for Christmas. Of course Reba had to match. 

Front Porch Project quarantine family photos. 

As the years have gone by, Reba has never lost her puppy personality and ability to jump higher than any dog I’ve ever seen (her father is a national frisbee champion, and it shows in her genetics). However, her joints have started to age, just as they do in humans. At her last annual wellness appointment, her veterinarian noted that she noted some grinding in her knee.

Knowing full well that one of Reba’s (and my) favorite activities was going on our nightly 2-mile power walk, I vowed right then and there to address the ailment head on. If there was anything in my power to increase her comfort and overall health, there was no doubt I would do it.

Being a dog mom is NOT a title I take lightly, so I jumped head first into helping in any way I could.

Just as in humans, eating a healthy and balanced diet is essential for overall health and for living a long and happy life. However, unlike humans, our canine family members are often found eating the same meal day after day. As a result, I found it all the more necessary that I dive deep into the nutrients I was providing Reba.

Disclosure: I have partnered with Wellness to bring awareness to others within this post about the brand. As ALWAYS, I only recommend products that I truly love, and all opinions included are 100% my own. This post is sponsored by Wellness CORE but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

After some research I noted a rather obvious statement- based on their primal ancestry, dogs thrive on a natural diet that is mainly composed of meat. It was then that I knew I needed not only a dog food that would accommodate this fact, but would also provide nutrient-rich superfoods and nutritional supplements to address her aging joints. That is when I discovered Wellness CORE RawRev with Wholesome Grains Original and haven’t looked back.

Not only does Reba LOVE the food (super important as meal time is by far one of her favorite times of the day), but the dog mom in me is feeling great pride knowing I’m giving her the best. Wellness CORE RawRev includes three key ingredients: 100% raw turkey, chicken livers, and flaxseed. (For a full list of ingredients and recommended feeding guidelines clickhere). Powered by wholesome grains it has high protein for lean muscle mass and muscle tone. The omega fatty acids are ideal for healthy skin and for her beautiful lush coat. The included probiotics are ideal for her digestive health and the glucosamine and chondroitin assist in her joint support.

By choosing WellnessCORE RawRev, I have such peace of mind knowing that I am giving her the absolute best. And when your nine year old dog has more energy than you do, you now you are providing them with the best food possible ;). Available for dogs of all sizes and breeds, it is also available in grain free and wholesome grain recipes.

Clickhere learn more about CORE RawRev and save $3 off your purchase

Reba has provided me with the most unconditional love, asking for nothing in return. While I owe her more than I could ever repay, I take such comfort in knowing that I am providing her with the nutrients she needs to live a healthy life. I’m not just a girl mom, I’m a “dog mom” and that is a title I will never take lightly.

Who else is a dog mom? I’d love to hear about your furry child as well!