Moms of Dogs: Tara, Doji & Aika
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.
Some bonds are instant. For Tara, that moment came in a New York City shelter when she locked eyes with a furry little Pom mix named Doji. Years later—on a different island, in a different chapter—she met Aika, a sweet and sporty soul rescued from the Hawaiian Humane Society. Two rescues. Two relationships. One woman who never gave up on her dogs, even when life didn’t go as planned.
With over 20 years of dog mom experience, Tara knows firsthand what it means to show up for your pets no matter the circumstances. From blueberry spa days to senior dog care and late-night walks to early-morning motivation, she’s navigated pet parenting with love, humor, and the kind of resilience only a real dog mom could pull off.
Because sometimes, the family we build is four-legged and full of sass—and sometimes, it comes with a down payment’s worth of grooming bills. We’ll let Tara take it from here.
Dog(s) Name: Doji & Aika
Dog Breed: Pomeranian and Basenji mix
Age of Dogs: Doji (16), Aika (9)
Mom’s Name: Tara
Years a Dog Mom: 20+
When did your fur baby come into your life?
I rescued Doji from North Shore Animal League 15 years ago when I was living in NYC. He was just this big ball of fur and, I swear, the minute I looked at him I knew he was going to come home with me. I rescued Aika from The Hawaiian Humane Society eight years ago. They couldn't be more opposite from each other. Aika is so sweet, cuddly and athletic. Doji is what I call a "cocktail and cabana" dog—just give him his snacks and some shade and he'll let you know when he wants attention. The point is, I've only ever been to animal rescues twice in my life and I have two dogs :)
What’s something you wish more people understood about being a dog mom?
Owning a dog when you're in a relationship vs. owning a dog when you're on your own is something I think a lot of people might not think about. It seems obvious enough, but a lot of people get dogs when they're in a relationship and it's easy when you have another person helping with costs and care. But if that relationship ends, it's not like with kids where you (may) get child support. All costs and care can fall on one person and it adds up. I think it's just the reality of a situation. Dogs will outlive a lot of relationships. Listen, I have two dogs from two different relationships that didn't work out, and having to care for them both when I was single was not easy (especially looking for places to live). But women are incredibly resilient and resourceful, and we always figure it out.
What’s your go-to “my dog deserves the world” splurge?
Besides Doji's blueberry oatmeal spa treatment every six weeks?! I could probably have a down payment for a house after all those appointments for the past 15 years.
What’s something you’ve changed about yourself because of your dog?
Probably my motivation to be active. There's days where I just want to sleep in, but if Aika doesn't get daily exercise I see a change in her mood.
What’s your controversial dog mom opinion?
I don't know if this is controversial but dogs on couches are okay. Dogs in beds are not.
How do you handle it when your dog is struggling—physically, emotionally, behaviorally?
I now have two senior dogs, and it's been very hard at times. I've been lucky that, for the most part, my dogs have been healthy most of their lives. Last year, Doji was diagnosed with heart, kidney and liver failure. The vet gave him about 2-3 months. It's been over a year since that diagnosis! Watching your dog age is probably one of the most difficult things to go through as a pet owner, but I find comfort in knowing that both of my dogs have lived and continue to live really great lives. The good thing is there is a whole community of dog lovers that will provide support. Everyone that I work with has dogs, so when I thought Doji was going to pass, I worked from home every day for weeks to be by his side and keep an eye on him. My co-workers all understood, and that's what I appreciate about other pet owners.
What boundaries have you had to set (with people or places) because of your dog?
I don't know if I have a good answer for this. I've never had to create a boundary with someone because of my dog that I'm aware of.
