Having a baby is magical and life changing. Everyone knows that. A baby will turn a couple into a family, children into siblings, and a house into a home. Everyone wins when a baby is born, right?
Wrong.
As far as I can tell, there is one bonafide loser in the birth of a baby. The family dog.
Our family pet, Orion, went from man’s best friend and sparkle of his mama’s eye to second class citizen when our new baby arrived. Walk the dog? Pet the dog? When’s the last time anyone saw the dog? Yes, we were neglectful. Orion had to remind us to feed him, to let him outside, and show us where the treats were stored. As if bringing a new family member home wasn’t bad enough. His parents now had no time cater to his basic needs. Those were some dark days for our little guy.
It got better over time. After a few weeks, I started to brave the great outdoors with a stroller and Orion was thrilled to be back in business, strutting his stuff down the neighborhood sidewalk. But even then, things had changed. Darting after squirrels and barking at local riff raff were big no no’s (don’t wake the baby!) All of sudden, there were so many RULES. When did mom and dad become so square?
Now that our baby has turned into a full-fledged toddler, quality of life has improved somewhat for our dear dog, but many challenges remain. He is still second fiddle, and it’s finally sunk in that this probably won’t change anytime soon. He gets poked, prodded, tugged on, and teased far more than anyone should have to bear. He is still the last to eat dinner, and the last to get snuggle time.
It’s not fair, really. Because having a dog is a wonderful thing, both for people with and without children. And while Orion was a blessing to me and my husband before baby, he remains one today. Plus, there are several unanticipated benefits during the early baby days worth noting, key times where having a dog is essential in a family with kids.
Meal Times. I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful it is to have a dog when the baby starts eating food. Orion is our walking, ever-ready vacuum cleaner. The Roomba has nothing on him. He takes his job very seriously, and does it damn well.
Play Times. As a parent, you would give your left arm for something to entertain your child for more than 30 seconds. The dog fits the bill! He is fun, cute, soft, and makes funny noises. You can’t find a better playmate!
Dark Times. My dog witnessed me at my very best and worst as a mom. He saw me giggle at my baby and tickle his toes, but he also saw me cry myself to sleep during the days of colic and postpartum depression, sometimes screaming and slamming my fist against walls in frustration. He never judged. He never loved me less. Sometimes he felt like the only consistency I had during the tough newborn days, and the insanity that came with weeks and months of sleep deprivation.
I am forever grateful for my family dog. He doesn’t throw tantrums, he doesn’t say “no.” He is always happy to see me and he thinks I’m a wonderful mom. Life has changed significantly since our days before kids, but my dog has a special place in my heart as my first baby.
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