Having both dogs and babies is not for the faint of heart… especially not naughty dogs and needy babies!
They say that dogs just know when a person is pregnant, that they can sense it. Now I’m not sure if my dogs are oblivious or just ignorant… but they did not give a f*ck when I was pregnant. This made me mildly nervous I’ll be the first to admit, the youngest member of our village pre-TinyHuman was already 9 when the dogs entered my life. They’d had no exposure to babies at all.
Dexter
When it came to young humans, Dexter was very nervous of them. They’re loud, they’re unpredictable and they always want to touch him. If a young human came into the house you’d often find that Dexter would take himself off to his crate, retreating to a place of safety!
However the moment that he laid eyes on TinyHuman, Dexter has been obsessed. We never expected that he would love his little brother so much, but Dexter just can’t stop loving on him- those cuddles are no longer for me but for the TinyHuman I brought into the world. Dexter would follow him to the ends of the earth, when he cries Dexter comes running. The bond they have is truly wonderful.
Ruby
As the super subtle harness might suggest, Ruby is the most friendly dog on the planet. For a while, her best friend was the three year old daughter of one of my friends. Ruby loves nothing more than making mischief and what better partner in crime for such a task than a toddler?
Of both of the dogs, it was assumed that Ruby would be the least wary of TinyHuman as she just loves everybody so much. However it became quickly apparent that Ruby was aware of her inability to be gentle, like she instantly recognised that he was fragile and just decided to keep her distance until he was more sturdy.
Watching the dogs come running as soon as TinyHuman begins to sound as though he may cry, and seeing them try to sneak him a kiss when they think we aren’t paying attention, is just wonderful.
It’s hard working managing being a parent to both dogs and babies. The dogs were my world for the first 5 years of their lives, and now they have to share that. I find that if I’m giving attention to one then I’m suddenly giving attention to both dogs and the TinyHuman. As soon as he naps, it’s their turn.
All of a sudden, the world’s worst guard dogs had something they deemed worthy of protection. Anyone who comes into our house gets the barking and full security check- the trick for success is to tell them they’re good dogs and give them a butt scratch. Then, and only then may you proceed through the baby gate to where the humans are.
I’m so glad that TinyHuman gets to grow up in a village full of dogs. He’ll forever be surrounded by four-legged, furry friends who want to love him, protect him and most important wreak havoc with him.
