(Strider sleeping in a ray of sunshine, by our back door)
He was just a puppy then, and he turned on the charm when Michael knelt down to talk to him. But when my husband got up to leave- Strider started crying, and wouldn’t stop. Michael knew he had to adopt this sweet puppy, and he promised Strider that he would be back the very next day to adopt him, and bring him home. And he did. That was all before Michael and I met. So after we got married, and I moved in- I had to get used to having a dog around. I was not a pet person by nature, but Strider is lovable in the extreme, and before long he was my little baby. That is- until I had a baby. Then Strider got a wee bit displaced.Although, Molly is now 9 months old- Strider is still kept mostly clear of her. At first we did that for Molly’s safety. We weren’t sure how Strider would react to a tiny, crying creature invading the house. But now, we keep them separated for Strider’s safety- Molly is a pincher! And although they may be safer kept apart at this point, it does make me sad. And I do feel awfully guilty, that our little furry baby isn’t the center of our love and attention anymore.
As much as we try to give him our time, and love- it will never be the same as before the baby. We just don’t have the extra energy after changing the diapers, and cleaning up the smashed finger food in the carpet.
I just hope Strider can hang in there a bit. We may never be the doting owners he once had- but something good is coming. Soon this tiny baby that gets all the attention will grow up. And she will be looking for a best friend. A best friend that she can pass brussel sprouts to under the table. A best friend to jump in mud puddles with. A best friend to cuddle in bed with on a stormy night.
(Poor Strider dressed to show school spirit!)
I think that friend will be named Strider. Hang in there pal.
Hello HappyCampers! I’m so glad you were relieved! Our little Strider is a part of the family, and won’t be given away anytime soon! We have had to change how we play with him (less rough housing), and where we keep him when the baby is around (behind a gate)- but he is very much loved! And I can’t wait for our daughter to grow up with him as her pal!
Oh my gosh…I thought this was going to be a post about giving up your dog…I’m SO glad it wasn’t that! What a sweet post to your once-baby-pup.