Annelies organizes Mother’s Day for dog moms: “Feeling seen, heard and appreciated” (Lier)

For Annelies, the idea of ​​motherhood is much broader than just biological parenthood. “I am truly a dog mom through and through, and although I still have an unfulfilled desire to have children, I consider my dogs my children,” she shares. “For me, Mother’s Day is a bit confrontational, but my dogs help me through it.”

“Everyone around me was pregnant straight away, so I expected things to go smoothly for me too,” says Annelies. “Over time I started to doubt myself. You feel less like a woman. As I shared my story, I noticed that others began to share theirs too. That got me thinking.”

“I was very lucky with my dogs, because they pulled me through those deep valleys”

Annelies Huylebroeck

Stories from the Heart Photography

Annelies recognizes the happiness that her dogs have brought into her life, especially in difficult moments. “I was very lucky with my dogs, because they pulled me through those deep valleys,” she continues. “So I do it for them.”

Recognition

The responses to her initiative show why it is essential to pay attention to motherhood in all its forms. “I’ve met women who were in tears because they felt valued by this day,” she says. “I don’t think dog mothers are inferior if they don’t have biological children. Love and care take many forms.”

For Annelies, this initiative is not only a photographic experience, it is also a moment of connection and recognition for dog mothers. Each participant receives a personal message and a gift. “When they registered, they were sent a card with a wish bracelet. After the shoot, all women also received a rose with a personal message to take home and a homemade gift from their four-legged friend. It’s a day for dog moms to make them feel seen, felt and appreciated.”

Memories

Noah came to Lier especially from the Netherlands for the photo shoot with her dog Ace. “I had doubts at first,” says Noah, “but Ace had an operation eight weeks ago and then I thought: life is quite fragile, he is also getting older and I want to have as many memories with him as possible ”, she explains.

“Especially if you cannot have children, a dog is really your child”

Noah

Ace’s ‘Mama’

For her, Mother’s Day for Dog Moms is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize this unique bond. “Especially if you cannot have children, a dog is really your child,” she continues. “So I don’t find it strange at all that a Mother’s Day is organized around it. I even think it could be a bit bigger.”

Griet and her faithful four-legged friend Babette also participate in the photo shoot. “I’m a big dog lover, and although I’m not here specifically for Mother’s Day, I think it’s a charming idea,” says Griet. “I have already received a Mother’s Day present,” she laughs. “Cuddle cows. But this is a gift to myself.”

A second shoot will take place on Saturday, May 11. Annelies’ choice to organize the photo shoot on that day, the official Mother’s Day for dog mothers in America, is no coincidence. She also hopes to integrate this day in Belgium and the Netherlands and thus break the taboo step by step.