We cried when we said goodbye to our first child on their first day of kindergarten. Up until then, this was probably the hardest milestone we as a parent, had to cross. Or maybe at the time it was the hormones from the second pregnancy that made the tears flow.

With Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday, we tend to look back at the more memorable moments that make motherhood something to treasure. One that has kept me smiling is the fact that my youngest daughter has called me Mrs. Johnson for the past three years. No, it is not my maiden name. I have no idea where she came up with the moniker. Originally it was her response when she was asked to clear her plate from the table, “yes, Mrs. Johnson.” It is usually spoken in a reluctant tone accompanied by a sideways gaze. I know, I know, I can hear you moms out there warning me “its funny now, just wait until she is a teenager.”

My girls have been patiently waiting for the new Petland store to open. Last Saturday I did what any good mother would do and braved the crowds to get a look at the new store. Our zoo at home is at full capacity, so our goal was just to cuddle as many furry friends as the sales people would allow.

The store was full of just about every purebred dog imaginable. We were escorted into one of the enclosed play areas where prospective parents can sit down and fully enjoy the cuteness of the furry bundles of joy. We cuddled a West Highland terrier, a beagle, a Siberian husky, a Shetland sheepdog, and a Bloodhound. With the finance plan, helpful sales people and abundance of puppy love, it was sure easy to get caught up in the moment. Besides the enormous up front cost, no one is thinking about the extended costs like food, clothing (wink, wink), accessories and vet bills for the new baby at this point. A purchase like this cannot be taken lightly.

And if you think it is just the pure breeds that are expensive, think again. I figured the mixed breed doodles, as I call them; so-called designer dogs had to be cheaper. Until I did a little research. These canine conundrums became popular a decade ago, beginning with the Labradoodle and other poodle crosses for people who wanted a non-shedding dog. It used to be if your poodle escaped from your back yard and became friendly with the neighbor’s Scottish Terrier, it was a regretful accident. Now it’s a Scoodle. Yes, for what was once a give-away mutt now goes for upwards of $1,200. They are cleverly labeled with fun to pronounce names like Bugg (Boston Terrier/Pug), Rattle (rat terrier/poodle), Rottle (rottweiler/poodle), and Saint Berdoodle. It’s enough to make anyone say “I want one.” Well, any woman at least.

Those generic strays, in need of their own cute labels and loving homes are still among us. I was glad to see the Placitas Animal Rescue adoption area set up in front of the store on Saturday. These forgotten souls were a little bigger and just as loveable as their nemeses on the inside. I found my snicker doodle in the guise of an Australian Shepard mix with paws the size of grapefruits. Alas, I knew Mr. Johnson would not be happy if I brought home another mouth to feed.

Whether you gravitate toward pure breds, doodles or rescues, there is a dog for everyone. You just have to know where to look and when it is appropriate to add to your family. The rescue leagues and Humane Society remind us that the purchase of a pet should not be taken lightly. Be a good mother. Do your research and don’t bite off more raw hide than you can chew.

Quote of the Week: “Don't forget Mother's Day. Or as they call it in Beverly Hills, Dad's Third Wife Day.” - Jay Leno.

Jennifer Huard’s column appears each Thursday. She and her dog, Andy welcome your emails at jhuard@abqjournal.com .