SAINT PAUL, MN — In an amusing twist of modern pet ownership, local resident Jennifer Barkley has boldly declared herself to be the “dog mom” of her cherished Pomeranian, Mr. Fluffernutter. Though a popular concept in today’s age, it has left the neighbors giggling and shaking their heads in equal measure.
Barkely, 32, insists her connection to Mr. Fluffernutter transcends traditional pet ownership. “He’s not just a dog,” she explained at a neighborhood cookout. “He’s my fur baby. I’m his dog mom. I mean, who else would he call mom?”
The community’s response has been a blend of acceptance and bewilderment. “I mean, I love my cat,” said neighbor Alice Carlisle, “but I don’t refer to myself as her ‘cat mom.’ That’s just… weird. I bought her with money. That makes me a cat owner, not a cat mom.”
Taking her “dog mom” duties seriously, Barkley hosts elaborate birthday parties for Mr. Fluffernutter, complete with dog-friendly cakes and tiny party hats for all the neighborhood pets, and he can often be seen wearing little sweaters. But she began to lose supporters as she attempted to sign him up for the local soccer league, citing his “exceptional agility.”
The league organizers, however, were not as enthusiastic. “We had to explain to Jen that Mr. Fluffernutter, despite his many talents, would not be suitable for our U8 soccer team,” said Coach Nelson. “He’s a dog.”
Veterinary expert, Dr. Paula Ferns, commented, “It’s common for pet owners to form deep bonds with their animals, and that’s fine. However, in my professional opinion—and I know this is uncommon even in my own field—referring to oneself as a ‘dog mom’ is a bit excessive. Last I checked, dogs don’t come out of our wombs.”
Social media has exploded with reactions to Barkley’s claims. The hashtag #DogMomLife has been trending, with users sharing their own humorous takes on extreme pet pampering. One user tweeted, “If Mr. Fluffernutter is her fur baby, does that mean she gets the Child Tax Credit too?”
Despite the giggles and raised eyebrows, Barkley remains steadfast in her beliefs. “People can laugh all they want,” she said in a recent Instagram post with Mr. Fluffernutter in a stroller. “But until you’ve looked into Mr. Fluffernutter’s soulful eyes and felt that undeniable bond, you just don’t get it. We’re family.”
While Barkley’s friends and family have gently suggested she perhaps take up a new hobby or meet some human friends, she has politely declined. “I have all the companionship I need with Mr. Fluffernutter,” she insists. “Besides, humans are so overrated.”
As the community watches this quirky saga unfold, it is clear that Jennifer Barkley has embraced the role of “dog mom” with an enthusiasm that borders on the absurd. And while Mr. Fluffernutter may never truly understand the concept of “mom,” he will always be the recipient of his owner’s slightly over-the-top love.
The Lutheran Column 