Our gorgeous dog, Hugo, came into our lives at just the right moment. He brings us so much joy, laughter and comfort. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of my little family dog and I am so glad that my boys are growing up with their own.
That’s not to say it’s easy bringing up kids and a dog in the same household. We have had our share of frustrations. If you have a dog and a young family, you will know what I am talking about.
- You left the baby gate up for ages and ages after it was really necessary. Not because of the baby but because it was pretty handy to lock the dog out.
- Your toddler has eaten dog food. They just have.
- You wonder how people with kids and without dogs keep a clean floor after meals. Your dog is the most effective broom, mop and vacuum rolled into one.
- You know that people without dogs probably find that kind of gross.
- You love your dog SO much, but in that brief moment after they bark and wake the baby (who took an hour to get to sleep) you are ready to send them off to the farm.
- Then you feel really guilty for thinking that.
- Your dog’s diet is 50% pet food and 50% scraps from the kids.
- Your children have attempted (at least once) to convince the dog to pull them along on either a skateboard, bike, scooter or cart.
- Whenever you leave you have to add another 10 minutes to get-ready time. Because that’s how long it takes to coax puppy out and convince him that he really does need to stay outside.
- Your kids have pretended to eat their vegetables but in reality have attempted to feed them to the dog. But the dog doesn’t like vegetables either so it’s a fairly transparent ploy.
- When you walk your dog or take them to the park, your kids are proud as punch to introduce them to anyone who comes up for a pat. I am not sure if it’s a great thing that both my sons are so willing to talk to strangers but at least they are confident. Plus, for an extra treat, you sometimes take your dog boarding, where they can have even more fun with other dogs.
- There are plenty of arguments over whose dog it actually is and who he loves most. But you know the truth – the one that feeds the dog is the favourite.
- Your dog has the patience of a saint. Putting up with enthusiastic cuddles followed by being summarily ignored on a regular basis.
- Your kids have no fear of other people’s dogs. Even the kind that are twice their size and can knock them over with a single bound.
- Your dog is everybody’s best friend confidant. When the kids are upset, they nuzzle into the furry friend that listens and understands. When you need a little TLC, the dog curls up in your lap. I’m sure that they just know.
We have a brand new puppy after a break of 6 years since our last dog died. Our kids are 12 and almost 6, so I reckon it’s a good time – they are old enough to walk him together to the dog park (400 metres down the road) and neither will be tempted to eat the dog food! It is so lovely having a puppy in the house again, and as you say in No 13, they are so patient and can teach us so much.
Oh how wonderful! My SIL just got a new puppy and he is divine – enjoy the puppy days (and hopefully there isn’t too much mess and destruction).
Yes, yes and YES!! I relate to most of these. Phoebe has eaten dog food, and Bentley (our dog) gets a mix of dog food and whatever scraps the kids don’t want to eat!
What is it with the dog food? I found little E and Hugo happily eating from his bowl together not that long ago. Ah well, at least they are both learning to share?
Growing up with a dog in the family is one of the most rewarding experiences a child can have, in my opinion. Our kids just love our dog – she’s their companion, confidante and protector 🙂
The friendship between kids and their dog is such a lovely relationship to watch.
It’s posts like these that make me love the idea of having a dog.
But after a few failed attempts, I have to accept that I am not an animal person, as much as I would like to be.
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We can’t all be animal people 🙂 Myself, I CANNOT keep a plant alive. Just can’t.
We don’t have a dog, but my mother in law has a dog which the girls absolutely adore. The poor things is very old now and just been diagnosed with cancer. I’m so worried about how the girls will cope 🙁 We’ll have to start preparing them now, I think.
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Oh no! It’s so sad when a beloved family member is leaving. A tough one. Good luck with your girls 🙁
We have a Foxy which we got when Mr 6 was 4 and I can relate to nearly all of these points. Layla had a mishap with a chicken bone a few months ago and had to stay overnight at the vets. I couldn’t believe how much I missed her. It was strange not having her sleep next to me.
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Oh, it’s horrible when something goes wrong. I have had a few heart in throat moments with Hugo.
This is a wonderful list and one which ‘almost’ convinces me to get another dog one day. But, no we won’t because…oh well, we are just two seniors now and to be honest, we are done with our doggie care days. However, you make some great points and I do agree a family with a pet is one which is enriched. Cheers, Denyse #teamIBOT
But you have all those lovely memories of the dogs you did have. They are a bit of work – and never easy when you travel either!
Oh I love this post! We got our first family puppy 2 weeks ago and he’s already settled in so well. My 3yo marched out the back door this afternoon announcing “I just going to give George a cuddle.” He picked up the puppy and sat on the back step, chatting to him and patting him 🙂
Isn’t is so wonderful to see the connection between kids and dogs? They teach such gentleness I think.
Hi Robyna – lovely post and Hugo is adorable. Here is a very early post of mine about my Poochettes and a tale of misadventure! http://www.thehipsterette.com.au/wordpress/?p=427
I love your little poochettes (in fact, we may have seen you walking them in the local park, but I was under hat and sunglasses and two enthusiastic boys).
Yes – I too wear the ‘hat and sunglasses’ disguise!
Hahahahaha yes to the scraps! And the other thing that bugs me is the hair. Can. not. get. rid. of. the. hair. But as dog people, we just roll with it (though I know that my MIL is not a fan!)
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We regularly have Hugo groomed – it’s expensive, but at least I can wear black without the dog hair accessories and I think he’s a bit cooler.