12.03.2008

The (not forgotten) dog children

I received a huge compliment recently when a friend said that Mark and I are the only ones she knows that have a new baby and still adore our little furry kids. It made my heart smile because we do still totally consider Jack & Sophie our other kids. I know, I know. If you're not an animal lover this post will make you gag so you can exit now if needed. ;) 

It's been a bummer to see friend after friend "re-homing" their pet when a little one joins their family. I don't judge them because everyone has their reasonings so if you're one of my buds that has done that- no worries. I just feel bad because it's got to be a tough decision to make.

It wouldn't be a strange site for you to walk in my living room while I feed Declan and see a 60 pound boxer curled up on each side of me. They're still our cuddlers and we wouldn't have it any other way. 

I've also seen glimmers of the future relationship of Declan and the dogs recently.  I'll catch him giggling or smiling at them these days. I look forward to when they all play. Good stuff. 

Yay for dog children. :)


Peas in a pod:


Jack & Sophs bombarding Declan (don't worry they only got a couple licks/kisses in before being called away:

16 comments:

RB said...

I can't imagine relocating my dogs when our baby comes home. They are the most wonderful pets and I alwasy say I love them more than most people I meet! If you've raised well behaved animals, there is no reason why they and babies can't coexist. I love the picture of your dogs giving Declan kisses!

MtnGirl said...

Yea, it's very sad to see many pets being re-homed when they get a kitten or puppy and the older animals doesn't like the new one or a child enter the household. I'm sure folks have good reasons like allergies, but I'm 100 % totally committed to my "boys." (Okay, I'll admit, I don't have any children, but my furry boys ARE my children!)

Christy said...

I can totally relate. Our dog and our son are buddies and it's so fun to watch them play together. I don't know how people can "re-home" their pets, I'm sure it's hard, but still. Your little guy is adorable and looks like he's doing well. Congrats again!

Montefusco Family said...

We have kept our dog too (a Meagle aka Min Pin/Beagle) and love that Mariana will not be terrified of dogs/other animals as she grows up. Also they are such companions for kids. Yay for keeping our furry babies!

Shelby said...

It's hard with Shelby gone but I manage two 30 minute exercise/play sessions a day even with the baby. The dogs love Colin, Atlas has to greet him every morning when I bring Colin downstairs or he pesters me until I let him. He loves looking at the dogs and they love sniffing and kissing him.

Anonymous said...

That second picture is sooo cute! I agree, it's understandable for people to re-home an agressive pet, but so sad when it's a friendly animal who just isn't the baby anymore :(

Tracey said...

I love the picture of them cuddled up together. I do miss Keene. Menlo and she were so close! God Bless!

Sarah M said...

We wouldn't have it any other way--dogs + baby!! Our two big ones love Lukka and although he (Lu!) gets naughty and throws their bones (he thinks he's playing "fetch" with them...they don't see it that way!), they take it well.
The first time Lukka laughed (truly belly laugh) was when he was watching the dogs play together--I bet Declan LOVES watching them!
Sarah

Rebekah Wilson said...

I love watching our Kaitlyn with our furbabies. now that she is walking and talking, she gets such a kick out of playing with them. She will even hand feed them their dinner. I agree, I can't imagine our home without them (even though they can make it hectic at times.) Your Furbabies are adorable!

Beck said...

That was me :-) Yippee! I really honestly believe that-unless its allergies- dogs can be trained to behave in any way...it does take dedication, but it's SO worth it. I love my fur babies, and couldn't live without them! I can't wait to introduce a baby to them, and help them learn how to act. I love Jack and Sophie, and they're so sweet with Declan. So good to see you and can't wait to see you again in a few weeks.

Erin said...

aw, I'm cuddled up on the couch right now with our boxer baby, Kahler! Even though there are no babies yet, she is our most previous child - until we have a human baby!

Boxers are the best! Boxers and babies just go well together - both cuddly and lovey!

Rebekah said...

I am totally NOT a dog person, but I really appreciate that you are...And I think the pictures of the dogs with Declan are ADORABLE!

Melba said...

This is a great post, love the photos! I sincerely hope I am the same way when we finally bring our baby home. My dogs have been my "fur babies" and have comforted me through many emotional experiences. I can't imagine changing my feelings when we have a baby.

Melba

Doripink said...

Hi Ashley,
I found your blog through a blog or a blog :) We brought our son home a few months ago through domestic adoption (I think their birthdays are very close).
Would love to chat. My blog is private, so please email me

doripink@carolina.rr.com

Dori

HappyAutisticMama said...

We were worried about our dogs, but those worries were unfounded. One of our dogs is ambivalent, and the other perpetually camps out at the foot of wherever our son is. I'm just glad we trained the dogs before we got The Call!

E said...

The last pic with the baby and 2 dogs is adorable. Our furbaby passed away 2 months ago...he was 13 and I feel like he will always be our first kid! The title of your blog attracted me. Enjoy your children!