Happy Mother's Day

Once a year, on Mother's Day, we take time out of our daily lives to recognize the hard work and dedication put forth by our puppy raiser moms. In our eyes, they are moms in every way that counts.
As our puppy raiser mom, you see us through our toddler stage of fits, temper tantrums, and back talking as we learn to explore and gain independence. You count to three every time we are naughty even though neither of us knows what is supposed to happen after two. You carry a large bag filled with toys, clean-up supplies and treats despite the fact that it will never be fashionable to do so. You teach us all about proper nutrition: no vegetables (grass), no high fiber (sticks) and no hard candy (rocks) or we'll break our teeth. You laugh at our crazy antics and complete lack of coordination, but when it really counts you are there to fix bumps & scraps, aching ears, and sore gums.
As adolescents you introduce us to our first friends and keep us safe from bullies. You take us to school and complete our homework with us, as if it were your own. You teach us right from wrong and never lose your patience even when we forget which is which. You take us everywhere with you so that we can learn as much as possible about the world and even at the end of the night after we have run you completely ragged you still watch us sleep and find us to be so cute and irresistible you can't wait to do it all over again the next day.
You weather our teenage rebellion with as much grace as possible and when that fails you, we learn the true meaning of Crate Training. Even as our appetites grow bigger, our messes larger and we somehow manage to forget everything you've ever taught us, you never waiver from your conviction that we will someday change someone's life.
When we celebrate our first birthday you throw us a huge party knowing that this will be the only birthday we share. While we gobble our cake in one bite you boldly look to the future and the last milestone we will cross together: college.
On the days leading up to our departure, you cry and say your good-byes. We don't understand why you are so sad but you have made us strong so we support you and in that moment when we lend a paw and look up at you with our soft, sweet brown eyes we both realize that we're ready to be apart. Because of the sacrifices you've made and the selflessness you've displayed, we are prepared and confident enough to choose our own path in life.

Thank you, Mom!

Happy Mother's Day to ALL our Puppy Raiser Moms!

Love,
Merit & Praxis