Recently I read a hub about the challenges of parenting small children. I smiled, nodding in agreement with the author, fully aware that my "kids" were indeed very different, but shared much of the same behavior. You see, my kids don't have ten fingers and ten toes. In fact, my "children" have tails!

Meet Pepino and Dioji: two brothers bonded for life. Of course I realize that my two "kids" are dogs, but I've pampered and spoiled them as if they were in fact children.

I realize that I'm one of many 'crazy ladies' out there that treats their dogs as if they're children. But in my household, my four legged children bring me happiness, laughter and occasionally--a headache.

My four-legged children argue over toys (even though they have two of everything), they love to wrestle, they think that snow is the greatest thing ever, they dance (seriously) when I play music, and they know that B-E-D means it's time for bed. They have unqiue personalities--Pepino, the serious older brother and Dioji, the clown.

As I get closer to the age of thirty, I'm constantly asked by friends and relatives when I'm planning on having my own children. I'm always taken aback by this question. I think it's rather rude and it implies that a woman isn't complete unless she plans on having children of her own. Shouldn't my family and friends be happy that I AM happy with four legged children at this time?

Maybe I will have children in the future. Maybe I won't. I'm content right now to mother these furry little boys until I make a decision and even then--I'll be just as happy to continue our routine. Besides, I don't hear them complaining!