Are you a crazy dog mom?

Are You a Crazy Dog Mom?

I’m pretty sure a title like that could get me some serious slack, but here’s the thing... I’ve become a crazy dog mom. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. The more dog moms I meet, the more I believe it’s a thing—a phase of life where being a crazy dog mom just makes sense. It just fits.

For some of us, our dogs are our furkids! And for others, whose kids are growing up and becoming more independent, our attention naturally shifts. We still need to nurture, to care, to have that special someone who depends on us completely. And let’s be real—dogs are really good at making us feel needed.

They’re the ones who squeeze themselves between our legs and the cabinet while we’re prepping dinner, just in case a rogue piece of chicken happens to fall. They listen, tilting their heads at all the right moments, making us feel heard. They rest a paw on our foot while we’re at our desks, a silent reminder that even on the most chaotic days, we’ve got a friend who is right there with us.

I'm going to share a little secret and no, I'm not calling anyone a crazy dog mom, promise! But, I had the best dog mom come to my studio with her pittie girl and a bag of props. She had a vision, a fun vision, a vision that she trained her pittie girl for leading up to our photo shoot. I cannot tell you how over the moon excited that made me!! I was a crazy dog photographer in that moment, soaking up the fact that this amazing dog mom came to the photo experience knowing exactly what she hoped we'd capture and excited to see what my creativity would capture. It was the best kind of session EVER!! And let me tell you, I'm obsessed with this pittie girl's photos!!! She nailed every single image with her quiet poise and the connection she has with her mama.

This session was the stuff this Chester County dog photographer's dreams are made of lol! Because this was not just about photos, it was about the experience this dog mama was sharing with her furkid. It was about sharing an experience and having the best tangible memories of it in photos.

Signs You’re Officially a Crazy Dog Mom

So, how do you know when you’ve crossed the line from loving dog owner to full-on, unapologetic, crazy dog mom? When is it official that you've moved away from it being about having a dog— but instead live in a world that revolves around your dog? Well, I've got a few ideas about how to tell if you've crossed that line, no regrets!

1. Your camera roll is 90% dog photos.
We've all seen this on our IG scrolls- there are a ton of memes floating around about this and it is 100% TRUTH! You have more pictures of your dog than of your human family. And you are coming pretty close to shutting your whole phone down because it's overloaded with like a million photos of your pup.

2. You cancel plans because your dog needs you.
Do you even make plans? Because cuddling up on the couch with your dog every.single.night sounds absolutely perfect! Wouldn't you agree? Besides, on the occasion you do make plans, all you want to do is cancel them in the days leading up and even while you're out because your dog is home all alone or with your husband and kids *gasp* and what if they don't refill the water bowl with fresh water while you're gone?!

3. You throw your dog birthday parties.
Complete with party hats, a dog-friendly cake, and goodie bags for their furry friends. And let’s not forget the matching outfits—you and your pup have coordinated before, haven’t you?

4. Your dog has a closet.
Jackets for winter, raincoats for storms, Halloween costumes, and, of course, a collection of bandanas for every occasion.

5. You refer to yourself as "mom" and your partner as "dad" (to the dog).
And you fully expect your pup to recognize those terms. "Go find Daddy!" is a phrase you use daily.

6. You spend more on your dog’s food than your own.
Organic, grain-free, small-batch, air-dried, or raw—it doesn’t matter, as long as it’s the best for your dog. Meanwhile, you’re over here eating cereal for dinner.

7. You make major life decisions with your dog in mind.
Moving to a new house? Better have a fenced-in yard. Picking a vacation spot? Must be dog-friendly. You’ve even turned down jobs because they weren’t flexible enough to accommodate your pup’s routine.

8. You talk to your dog like they’re a person.
And not just "sit" and "stay." You have full-blown conversations, complete with questions, follow-ups, and rhetorical musings. And yes, your dog always answers… even if it’s just with a tail wag or a sigh.

Why Being a Crazy Dog Mom is the Best Thing Ever

People might joke about it, but honestly? Being a crazy dog mom is the best.

Our dogs bring us comfort, joy, and unconditional love. They make us laugh with their quirks, like the way they zoom around the house after a bath or bark at their own reflection. They force us to slow down and enjoy life’s simplest moments—a sunrise walk, a quiet snuggle on the couch, the soft weight of a paw resting on our leg.

We care for them deeply because they are family. They see us at our worst and love us anyway. They sense when we need comfort and show up without being asked. Their love is pure, and that’s rare in this world.

Capturing the Crazy Dog Mom Years

Since we’re fully embracing our crazy dog mom status, here’s something to think about: These moments won’t last forever. Our dogs grow older, and their zoomies get a little slower. Their faces get a little grayer. And one day, our daily traditions—the snuggles, the head tilts, the nose boops—will become memories.

That’s why documenting these years through professional pet photography is so meaningful. A five-year plan or at least three photo sessions in a pup’s lifetime ensures you have tangible memories of every stage—from the wild puppy days to the sweet, silver-muzzled years. Life moves fast, but photos let us hold onto these moments forever. I know you're thinking that you have 8 million photos on your phone, I know you do because I do too! But it's the occasional portraits I bribed my dogs, Maizy and Muddy to humor me with that are printed and hanging on my walls. They're the artwork that I see everyday and the reminder that the bond I share with my two buddies is a work of art itself.