We observed Mother's Day earlier this month, during which we celebrated all moms, grandmoms, stepmoms and aunts - all the women who have contributed positively to our lives. But there is another type of mom who should be recognized as well - pet moms.

Mothers of dogs and cats keep our four-legged friends well fed, safe and properly exercised. Being a dog or cat mom requires a lot of energy. There are messes to clean up; dog walks at all hours of the day and night; and sometimes trips to multiple stores to find their favorite toys, which often get destroyed and have to be repurchased.

Being a mom to a dog or cat who is frightened of loud noises is also a challenge. My two dogs are terribly afraid when it comes to thunder or fireworks on the Fourth of July. That holiday has now become a time for snuggling both of them under a soft blanket to try to calm their fears.

Being a pet mom is a lot of responsibility, like taking them to the vet when they are sick, and it requires a bit of patience, especially when dogs bark at the mailman, a squirrel or even a leaf blowing by the window.

Pets sleep in our beds leaving little to no room for us, accompany us to the bathroom and beg for food while we are eating until we have no choice but to give in. And, if they fall asleep in our laps, we don't dare to stand up!

But the rewards are infinite. Pets provide us unconditional love and companionship. They seem to sense when we are sad or have anxiety, and they comfort us. They are always happy to see us when we get home, and we are just as happy when we see them.

Dogs, especially, get us outside and active, and we meet other dog parents along the way. For example, I know every dog in our neighborhood - Agnes, Mia, Kolby, Milly and Asher - but I would be hardpressed to name their owners.

Dogs and cats also provide a nonstop source of humor, like when they have the zoomies, roll around playing, chase balls, pretend bite us or become drama queens when getting their nails trimmed.

Many pet owners make individual Facebook pages for their cat or dog. Chester County's own Ammo the Dachshund, who sadly passed away at the age of 16 last November, has his own page, which now features the family's new dachshund, named Flip. Flip has big shoes to fill, since Ammo had followers not only from the United States, but from all over the world.

Another one of my favorite Facebook dogs is Morty the Misfit, a black Chihuahua. Morty has only one eye and many disabilities, but that doesn't stop him from prancing around, making little clicking noises on the hardwood floors. Seeing Morty walking in style wearing all his different outfits brings a smile to my face every day. Check out Morty at the "Morty the Misfit Official" Facebook page.

Sadly, our pets are with us for such a short time, and it is heartbreaking to lose one, but as much as it hurts, there are plenty of dogs and cats at area rescues waiting for their forever homes. Some people actually believe that when their pet dies, he or she "sends" them another animal to love.

The key is to enjoy every moment you spend with your cat or dog. Make time to pet or brush them. Make sure they get the proper vet care. Walk on different paths. Let them have an extra treat (or two). Keep their water bowls filled with fresh clean water. Enjoy their zoomies and their bathroom stalking and forgive them for chewing up your favorite shoe. And if they need it, snuggle with them under a soft blanket and remember to never stand up if they fall asleep in your lap.