Until this assessment, my husband would laugh off my concerns about Tasmin’s weight and attribute my concerns to a superficial human-imposed standard that wasn’t appropriate for a canine. “He’s a big boy. Don’t apply human standards to a canine.” Now the veterinarian confirmed my greatest fears: I was an irresponsible pet owner. Now my spouse will take me seriously; now I have to take the situation seriously. Tasmin, named after a female musician…he’s in touch with his feminine side, needs me, the pet owner, to take more responsibility for his health.

I say this to myself every time my father comments on Tas’s weight, “He’s really in touch with his husky bloodline in a literal way, isn’t he?”

Pets are at the mercy of their owners; water, food, exercise, behavior training…and since my pet is at risk for future medical problems, I know I’m the one to blame? He doesn’t have a thyroid problem, he has no other health conditions (yet) that have revealed themselves at the annual check-up, and the food theft—his “sister” is not food aggressive, although she tends to exercise her dominance over him in other ways—well, that’s been resolved.

It’s strange how I’m far more concerned and feel much more guilty about my pets’ health than my own. I’m at my own mercy, too. However, those little wagers that greet me at the door every time I cross its threshold with their smiling expressions, malodorous dog breath, and eager expressions are as close to children as I’m ever going to get (to my parents’ and in-laws’ dismay). They are completely dependent on me, and their state of health is a reflection on my quality of care.