My TWO Babies

I have TWO babies! And no, I'm not pregnant again. 

Here's my non-human baby, Tallulah Bear: 

We feel really fortunate to be able to give both of our sweet babies the attention they need, and that they seem to be existing harmoniously together in our home. It's not always easy to predict how the behaviors of your child are going to affect your dog, but we expected an easy transition with Tallulah Bear because she's really the sweetest, and pretty submissive.

I remember bringing our tiny Tallulah Bear puppy home for the first time about as clearly as I remember Baby A.'s birth. She was incredibly soft, and a little sad because she'd spent her first night without her siblings for the first time since she was born, as her sister pup was sold the day before. Her eyes were so large in her tiny head! She immediately took to our older lab, Kierra, like she knew that was her new family right away. One of our most sad moments was when Kierra passed, and we had to go home to poor Tallulah Bear without her. Bear was depressed for a while... until the baby came home and she had a new focus, a new purpose.

There are a lot of great things about having a dog and a baby grow together, like the friendship and understanding Baby A. is already internalizing about his furry sibling.  She's also a pro at cleanup now that Baby A. drops food onto the floor from his high chair!! 

I definitely believe in setting boundaries for puppers, though, especially when the baby is so small and fragile. Tallulah had to learn that while we appreciated the immunity-building kisses she gave, that she had to slow down on the tongue baths for the naked puppy. Now that Baby A. is walking, she is having to learn to be more considerate of his burgeoning balance skills.

Similarly, Baby A. has had to learn some things about how to show our dear doggo respect. She needs her own space to eat and sleep, and while he loves to crawl into her crate to cuddle, that is not allowed. He likes to get right in her face, sit on her, and reach right into her mouth. Luckily, she is extremely submissive and tolerant, but in any situation like this, the child needs to learn what behaviors are acceptable near animals. Not only do these things apply to Tallulah Bear, but also when we encounter other pets on walks. Baby A. gets so excited when we see dogs, and he does his imitation of a dog- he pants at the dogs!!! It's really funny but we are still careful to ensure he understands what a proper interaction looks like by modeling the behavior we wish for him to see and employ. Sometimes we have had to swoop Baby A. up and away from a dog, as well, because he just isn't taking our direction; it's better to be cautious and not push a pet to feeling threatened or scared enough to react in a negative way. It can be really difficult and requires a ton of vigilance. I am lucky enough to be home a lot to monitor the interactions between Baby A. and Tallulah Bear, as well as to have a dog that is really tolerant of his not-so-gentle ways of showing her love. 

We are so happy to have both of our cute babies in our lives, furry and smooth. We can't wait for Baby A. to learn how to throw a toy for Tallulah, or be able to run around a yard with her (we're working on that now)! Their relationship is just another precious part of his childhood that we hope carries in his heart forever 🐕🐶

Do you guys have pets? Are you worried or excited about introducing more family members to the mix? 

Love to hear your thoughts,

Big A.⚓