Thu 08 Mar 2018
Dog and toddler life
When I look back I honestly think I should not have been able to do a baby & a puppy at the same time. We waited one year - once our child was walking and went for it. We got a puppy, a wonderful puppy too! I prayed to the gods it was not an active one as I'm not a very active mum, and they heard, he is a dog that acts like a cat. The laziest dog ever! and we love him so much. Mr Bluebones is like a little Brother to our child. Their relationship is pretty much love/hate, they grow/learn together, they get on each other's nerves but most importantly they love each other. He certainly protects her, poor little thing even plays princesses in her castle, stickers on his long ears, rice on his chest (he is an invaluable vacuum machine at home, which I have no problems with).
We think dogs help a lot with social skills for kids, Mr Bluebones's patience is a great way to create a bond between kids and animals. Their relationship also helps our daughter to be a kind human being who respects living things around her, it makes her aware of emotions and feeling for others. It is a well-known fact that having a dog or a pet lowers your stress levels, helps in anxiety and helps us with good health as rainy or not he needs to go out and as a mum of a 3 year old, making her burn energy running after our dog for 20 minutes is GLORY in heaven. YES it is a big sacrifice, especially the beginning: I will never forget the poonamis he used to get or the beautiful days of potty training Mr Bluebones when he was sick or having to clean pee & other fluids after a toddler and a puppy alone when hubby seems to be always away.
It is not always pretty but the unconditional love dogs have towards humans is just way beyond explosive diarrhoea or money or vet bills or sitters - we wouldn't change him at all. He makes us a happier and healthier family. And my daughter and Mr Bluebones look adorable together! - well, most of the time. If you are thinking of getting one, GO and do it, it's a beautiful experience. Please keep in mind they need same commitment and energy your child needs. As an intermediate step before taking the big one, I'd truly suggest borrowing a friend's pet or signing up for borrowmydoggy or a similar service so you can see what the normal days are like. If you want to meet MR Bluebones he will be more than willing for a walk with you.
Have fun and See you at the Park.