Man (and Baby's) Best Friend

Maddy

If you're anything like us, your pet is your baby too.  Maddy was our first baby.  She is a lovable, schnauzer-poodle mix and she's adorable and spunky.  We rescued her from Pets in Distress in South Florida.  She taught us about caring for someone others than ourselves and each other, and we learned early that Maddy likes plenty of attention and tlc, sometimes beginning as early as 6:30am.  Enter AML jr.  At first Maddy was perplexed by her and disinterested in her.  The only time she reacted to AML jr was when she cried, and would stand by her side and whine too (her concern was kind of cute actually..or maybe it wasn't concern it was more like Maddy was saying "this kid is driving me nuts, shut her up please!").  Then a few months after AML jr was born, she figured out that AML jr was a source of entertainment and like a younger sibling she could easily annoy her.  So began the licking--first feet, then hands, head and then face.  We did our internet due diligence like any neurotic parent would and discovered that more than a few studies state that a certain amount of exposure to various microorganisms is necessary for the development of a healthy immune response and that parents who keep their young children in super-clean environments do them no favors in the long run.  On the other hand, we discourage it because it's kind of gross, let's be honest (no need to go into details, I'll let your imagination take over here) and we prefer super-clean environments.

Fortunately, AML jr loves Maddy, she really gets a kick out of her.  Maddy has never been aggressive with her, and AML jr has even gone so far as to grab on tightly to Maddy's beard.  But, the question remains, how do we balance the attention we give to our baby and Man's (and now Baby's) Best Friend?  There is no clear cut answer here.  Maddy filled our home with unconditional love and positive energy during what was a very tough time for us given difficult job situations and moves.  AML jr is truly a miracle to us and brings us joy and pride everyday.  So, here goes--just do the best you can, your pet will still be your best friend if today is filled with a little less fetching and petting (mind you, I'm still trying to do it all--I am typing with one hand, petting Maddy with the other and singing to AML jr--did you ever think you could multi-task like this?!).

The best advice I got was from Mrs. F, mother of a son and daughter both under four, and a schnauzer.  She taught her dog that once the baby went down to sleep at night, the attention goes to the dog.  We've done the same, and we call after 8pm Maddy time.

Maddy and AML jr

And speaking of rescuing pets, please check out Best Friends Animal Society, the organization runs the nation's largest sanctuary for abused and abandoned animals.  I am a big supporter of this org, and hope you will consider supporting it as well.