Calling All Childless Dog Ladies
Redefining motherhood
“Be the person your dog/cat/ferret/horse/snake/fish/hamster/parrot/snake/turtle/fox/opossum/duck/chicken/koala/llama/donkey/goat thinks you are.” - A riff on C. J. Frick’s famous quote
I was called to task in the nicest way by a follower who wanted to know if Childless Dog Ladies could join the tribe. Of course you can! In fact, I was a little embarrassed to realize that I hadn’t thought to include the canines, equines, rodents, fowl, fish, marsupials, reptiles, leviathans and every other beloved creature on the planet. The more the merrier I say.
But while we’re on the subject of being childless, I want to talk about something that’s been bugging me since the ridiculous claim that the United States is run by a bunch of childless cat ladies appeared in my news feed.
Choosing not to have kids doesn’t mean you can’t be a mom.
In a very real sense, all children wherever they reside are our offspring. They’re our responsibility to feed, nurture, educate, and help grow into kind, creative, and loving stewards of one another and the planet. Anything less is a slow but sure road to extinction.
Why?
Because children are our future, and those who grow up without basic necessities - who are taught that some are worth more than others (think standardized tests, grading, and sports figures making multi-million dollar salaries while kids go hungry) learn that life is about competition, comparison, and judgment - that how they perform is more important than who they are. Does it surprise anyone then that there are narcissists and would-be dictators who believe they have the right to make life and death decisions for others?
Calling All Moms
I mention all of the above not to be a downer but as a way to share an alternative. My own journey to motherhood began in a household ruled by an entitled, self-absorbed, alcoholic who believed it was my mother’s job to “take care of him.” He was, quite literally, a man-child. Needless to say, traditional motherhood did not appeal to me. But kids did!
I spent my summers in high school teaching kids with physical disabilities to swim and my time after college in Japan helping elementary school kids master English. When I returned to the States, I penned a series of books called the CritterKin Tales. The tales are about a goody pack of mixed-breed dogs who encounter all kinds of challenges kids can relate to. The dogs’ adventures teach core literacy skills and emotional intelligence (EQ).
The Critterkin Tales redefined motherhood for me. I traveled to classrooms around the globe both in-person and via video calls. I read, sang, danced, drew pictures with, and hugged every kid I could. They were and will always be my kids. I hope they feel the same.
There’s more to this story, but you’ve been very patient readers and I think I’ve made my point. Please let every child you meet know they are seen, appreciated, and valued for who they are, not what they can do. And please, help when and if you can. HUGS!
Copyright 2024 by Jena Ball. All Rights Reserved.
Resources
CritterKin: https://jenaball.wixsite.com/braidedlives/critterkin
Women’s Empowerment Postcards
You make many excellent points. Not having biological children does not mean ‘childless’. There are so many ways we can intersect with children ( and animals) who need someone. I loved your thoughtful message and the fact that it is inclusive rather than exclusive. 💕
Well said... my father was horribly abusive to my mother and to me. I was determined to be a good parent and had a fabulous daughter. Let's just say we do the best we can....and being a good human to ALL beings is what it's about. Now, I will go give the two pups (spoiled beyond belief!) here at the farm a treat and tell them it was from you, Jena! ✌️❤️