Man vs. Dog

Last night my husband accused me of loving our English bulldog, Lucy, more than I love him.

My first reaction was, “Whatever.” Then I thought, “Hmm…”

10 Reasons I May Love the Dog More Than the Man

1. She does a crazy-happy dance to greet me when I come home from work.
2. He ignores me and fondles the remote control.
3. She follows me around the house, wanting to be near me all the time.
4. He ignores me and continues to give the TV his undivided attention.
5. She sleeps on the floor next to my bed.
6. He encroaches all over my personal space when he sleeps making it nearly impossible for me to move or get comfortable.
7. She goes outside to do her business.
8. He does his business while I’m in the shower.
9. She goes to the corner and lays down when told.
10. He pretends he doesn’t hear me.

…he may be on to something.

Does that make me a bad mom?

I’m not a huggy-lovey type person. Never have been. #2 IS a huggy-lovey type person. She is constantly hanging on me, encroaching on my personal space, puckering up those plump lips she inherited from her father, and coming at me. She’s forever wanting to make out with me. I’ve even called her on it. For most 11 year-olds this may deter them from trying again an hour later, but not #2. She will not be discouraged. She needs her lovin’ and makes no apologies for that.

This weekend I instilled a 10 hug per week rule. I’m not even kidding. Every time she comes at me for a hug I shout out the next chronological number, thus verbally marking off another tick on the hug-ometer.

Does limiting my motherly love to a child during her most vulnerable development period make me a bad mom? I don’t think so. I say  it teaches her a valuable lesson on pacing herself!