Moms of Dogs: Elle, Rambo & Thanos
This story is part of our Mother's Day "Moms of Dogs" series —an unapologetic celebration of the real ones raising fur babies with heart, hustle, and hella treats.
From Craigslist to couch cuddles, Elle’s story reminds us that dog motherhood isn’t always planned—but it’s always profound. What began with a sketchy parking lot pickup turned into a lifelong bond with Rambo, a floppy-eared lab mix who instantly felt like family. A few years later, Thanos—rescued from a Georgia shelter and renamed with Marvel-level flair—completed the duo. Through cross-country moves, deployments, and the ever-evolving chaos of raising a toddler alongside two energetic pups, Elle’s pack has been her anchor.
To Elle, being a dog mom isn’t just about the treats and tail wags (though her boys do have a soft spot for vanilla Frosties). It’s about choosing presence over perfection, grace over guilt, and setting boundaries that honor your fur family. Below, she shares her honest, heartfelt journey—the kind of real talk we live for at Doolce + Diego.
Mom’s Name: Elle
Years a Dog Mom: 7
Dog(s) Name: Rambo & Thanos
Dog Breed: Rambo is a Labrador Weimaraner. Thanos is a mixed rescue from Columbus, GA.
Age of Dogs: Rambo will be 7 on August 8th. Thanos will be 5 on July 11th.
When did your fur baby come into your life?
In 2018, my late husband and I began looking to adopt a dog. One day, he texted me saying he had found a free puppy listed on Craigslist. I was initially skeptical, as the breeders suggested meeting in a Walmart parking lot, which raised concerns about a potential scam. However, when we arrived for the pickup, a floppy-eared puppy came bounding toward us—and in that instant, I knew he was meant to be part of our family. We named him Rambo, and he quickly became my first fur baby and truly felt like my child.
In 2019, Rambo and I relocated to Virginia while we awaited my husband’s return from his deployment in Germany. After he returned to the States, we received new orders and moved to Columbus, Georgia. At that time, my husband was working long hours, and I was teaching full-time. We felt guilty about leaving Rambo home alone all day, which led us to consider adding another dog to our family.
We searched nearby animal shelters and came across a newly listed litter of puppies. The next day, we visited the shelter to meet one in particular—a little pup named “Fig.” When they brought him out, he was sticky, covered in pee, but radiated pure joy and energy. His puppy-breath kisses instantly stole my heart. We knew we couldn't leave without him. We renamed him "Thanos"—because Marvel, duh.
What’s something you wish more people understood about being a dog mom?
Being a dog mom—especially to two energetic boys—is one of the most exhausting yet rewarding roles I’ve ever taken on. My dogs have been constant companions through every stage of my mid-twenties to the present. They’ve been by my side through both the most challenging and the most celebratory moments of my life, offering unconditional love and comfort along the way. Today, they’ve seamlessly become not only beloved pets, but also loyal playmates and protective "brothers" to my three-year-old son.
What’s your go-to “my dog deserves the world” splurge?
I make a conscious effort to feed my dogs natural, wholesome foods, including their snacks. Their favorites are carrots, celery, watermelon, and apples. However, when I feel like treating them, I’ll splurge and get them each a vanilla Frosty from Wendy’s.
What’s something you’ve changed about yourself because of your dog?
Having two dogs and a toddler has certainly tested my patience and stretched my limits in unexpected ways. However, it has also taught me valuable lessons in perspective and grace. I've come to realize that the house doesn't always need to be spotless, and it's perfectly okay if there's a little dog fur on the furniture. What matters most is that everyone is healthy, safe, and happy. In the end, it's far more meaningful to be present and enjoy the moment than to chase perfection.
What’s your controversial dog mom opinion?
First and foremost, dogs absolutely count as children—no matter what anyone says. They’re family in every sense of the word. And yes, they belong on the furniture, because they make the best pillows and the most loyal snuggle buddies.
How do you handle it when your dog is struggling—physically, emotionally, behaviorally?
Honestly, when my dogs are struggling it worries me like no other. Probably because they can't talk and tell me what's wrong, I always freak out. Like literally freak out and go down a Google rabbit hole, searching and self-diagnosing them. I try my hardest to remain calm but I usually end up in tears if the dogs are sick, limping or reverse sneezing because I feel so helpless. I read that dogs can hear their owners’ heartbeat, so I try to keep that in mind.
What boundaries have you had to set (with people or places) because of your dog?
My life revolves around my son and my dogs, and nearly every part of my daily routine is structured around their needs. From the moment I wake up, I’m on the go—feeding and letting the dogs out, getting my son ready, and dropping him off at school. Then it’s off to the gym, back home to care for the dogs again, a quick shower, and I dive into work. Fortunately, I work from home, which allows the dogs to roam freely throughout the house and backyard during the day.
By 4:30 p.m., the dogs are ready for dinner, and I'm heading out to pick up my son from school. Traveling can be a source of anxiety for me because I worry about leaving the dogs behind. Thankfully, I have a few close friends who generously stay at my house and care for them while I’m away.
And as for dating—it's simple. I won’t consider anyone who doesn’t like dogs or suggests I lock them in a kennel or don't want them on the furniture. Weird energy - no thanks.
