I feel like a mother. Doing my daily business around the house usually includes the following: Remove object from Tessa’s mouth. Chase Oreo around for fun (it’s her favorite game). Tell Tessa to stop bugging Oreo. Wait for dogs to move out of my way in the hall before walking to kitchen. Hear Oreo bark and snap at Tessa, who ran into her. Remove Joey from counter-top. Tell Tess to stop chasing the darned cat. Open fridge. Remove Joey from fridge so I can close the door. Prepare food. Remove Joey from counter-top. Wipe Tessa’s slobber off floor. Turn and nearly trip over the dogs who are staring at me, hoping something drops on the floor. Walk back down hall. Trip over Joey, who is winding around my legs hoping for food. Spend meal fending off Joey, under the watchful eyes of at least one of the dogs.

It’s an all-encompassing job.