Dad tries, he really does, but when it comes to Mother’s Day gifts, let’s just say he errs on the side of caution. In the past he has put our names on rather practical gifts for Mom. Don’t get me wrong. She appreciated them all, but they certainly lacked the wow factor.

Take for example the year Dad helped Lemmy and I purchase a vacuum cleaner. Sure with the addition of me to the family, Mom needed a better vacuum. But was this really what a dog mom wants?

Dad really got ambitious one year, and purchased two gifts from Asa and myself, an old fashion push lawnmower and a toaster. As with the vacuum, Mom still uses the push mower, and often comments what a good workout she gets using it. The toaster, however, was exchanged for one that matched the other appliances.

There was the year Mom attempted to drop hints about a swing she wanted for the yard that was even on sale. But as you may have already guessed, Dad isn’t good at taking hints and purchased Mom lawn chairs instead. We did try to convince Mom though that these chairs were a much better gift because they provided a stable platform for her to throw the ball for fetch.

However, this year Asa and I are older and wiser, and have taken matters into our own paws and got Mom the perfect Mother’s Day gifts. One Dad approves of because it is practical, and will continue to bring Mom joy long after Mother’s Day is over. The other has that instant wow factor that Dad’s gifts have been lacking all these years.

Gift #1: Anyone can give flowers on Mother’s Day, but we’re giving Mom wildflowers seeds to plant so she’ll have flowers all summer!

Gift #2: The other gift is Asa got a “Mom” neck tattoo to show his devotion always…or at least until his fur grows back from surgery.