Fur babies take over as J’cans become ‘dog moms’

Dogs are no longer just man's best friend -- they are Jamaica's newest babies. Across the island, more women are proudly calling themselves 'dog moms', treating their pets like family and, in some cases, choosing paws over parenthood.

Paws n Claw Hotel and Spa owner Jacqueline Lawrence says being a dog mom goes far beyond simply owning a pet, noting that it requires commitment, patience and financial and emotional investment.

"Dog moms just don't have dogs because they look cute. They live very short lives and need lots of attention. They are part of your family, and it takes patience just like a child," Lawrence told THE WEEKEND STAR. She said that over the years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of dog moms in Jamaica, particularly among young people.

According to Lawrence, small, fluffy breeds such as Shih-Tzus and poodles continue to dominate, as more young women openly choose dogs over diapers

"It is now very prevalent. Some young people prefer to have dogs rather than babies. Judging from the ones I have groomed and seen, about 30 per cent are choosing to be dog moms rather than having a child," she said.

However, for 36-year-old Jody-ann, who has been a dog mom to four dogs for more than five years, her pets do not replace the idea of motherhood.

"For some people it does, but I don't have a child, so my dogs fill a gap because I get to take care of living beings. It might be on a different scale, but if they are sick, I take care of them and provide for them," she said. Rachelle, 24, had similar thoughts.

"I am a lover of dogs, but it is entirely separate. A dog is like a toddler that never grows up, but I do want to have a child in the future," she said. On the other hand, 28-year-old Bridgett, a Jamaican living overseas, said becoming a dog mom was influenced by living far from her family. She got her poodle, Dyce, just over a year ago.

"I've always wanted a dog from I was younger, and now that I live overseas and far away from family, I thought it would be perfect," she said. "My dog is my baby. I buy her clothes, a lot of clothes, treats, toys, everything. I even had to potty train her." She opined that a dog can never replace a baby, but the responsibility is somewhat similar.

"I have to make sure my dog is fed, gets all his shots. He's my little baby for now until I get my baby, whenever that is," she said. She added that living in the US requires certain documentation for pets, noting that Dyce has two insurance plans. She is also in the process of obtaining a passport for him so he can travel with her to Jamaica.

In comparing dogs to children, Lawrence said that while a dog's life expectancy is much shorter, the responsibilities are often similar.

"Feeding habits, health care, everything is just like when you have a baby," she said. Rachelle, who owns seven-year-old Skai, a Shih-Tzu, said her responsibilities go beyond feeding and grooming.

"I keep birthdays, buy little clothing items, but more so toys," she said. Jody-ann said her love for dogs began when she took in a stray mongrel and became committed to caring for it. She later added three more dogs.

"Yes, I celebrate their birthdays. Last year they turned five and we celebrated them," she said.

However, Lawrence cautioned that not all dog ownership is rooted in genuine love, noting that some people acquire dogs for social status.

"It's like wearing braces, you put it on because it's expensive and it says something. Even in my practice, I find that some people want that, but they don't really have the patience to take care of them," she said.