Doggy Grandma

Dear Dog Lady,

I am part of the so-called "Greatest Generation". I raised five children who have given me many grandchildren. I love being called “grandma.” I have a problem with “doggy grandma.”

Oh, don’t get me wrong. I enjoy dogs. But I come from an era when dogs had their proper place in the family. They ate whatever I remembered to put in their bowls and they slept in the garage. They lived amongst us happily on the periphery. They didn’t command the center of attention. Now, I see my fortysomething daughters pampering their pets, feeding them holistic foods, treating them like children. I wonder if I should be the cranky voice of reason here.

-Anna in South Salem, N.Y.

Anna, when the granddogs visit your house, you can set your own boundaries. But you should very feel proud of your pooch progeny. Your daughters obviously get their canine nurturing instincts from growing up in a home where they saw animals treated with kindness and respect. Maybe the family dogs slept in the garage but you must have given them your own brand of loving attention.

Posted by Dog Lady at February 17, 2003 12:00 PM