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Rochester Local

Bringing Home Baby: “Ruff Transitions” Edition

I always knew the transition of adding a human baby to our family would bring new experiences for everyone and create some major transitions. But little did I realize how “ruff” transition would be for our dog – sorry bad pun! Want to learn what [I’m sure] he thought of the whole thing? Here’s your opportunity to read our dog’s version of the story:

Ruff Transition – A Dog’s Perspective

About two years ago, my grandparents brought home clothes from the hospital with a strange new, yet familiar scent. They let me sniff and check out this scent for a couple days before my parents brought home my new brother. The second he came through the door, that new scent re-appeared! Genius!

Along with the new baby, came many changes…after all, I had been in charge for seven years…SEVEN amazing years! Before the baby, I had so many friends. The neighbor kids were perfect companions, they’d come to visit, play for a bit and then they’d go home. It was awesome, I got the attention I wanted and then the peace and quiet I deserved. I could sleep anytime, anywhere, without being disturbed. Thinking back before my brother joined our family, I recall that my parents tried to tell me things were going to be different and that I was going to get a new best friend, but they never told me that life as I knew it would never be the same. So, if you’re thinking about bringing home a sibling, make sure you prepare your fur baby for these life changes:

Change #1: No Barking

Seriously, this was one of my favorite past times. I was the protector of the house, ruler of the roost, king of the castle until all that came to a screeching halt. All I heard was, “Shhh, the baby is sleeping” or “no barking!” If I didn’t bark, how would my parents know there was a dog passing by the front window? Why wouldn’t they want to know this information anymore? Especially since my brother was in the house, we needed to be on high alert and I was the perfect dog for the job.

Change #2: Constant Supervision

I am proud to announce that my parents have trusted me from an early age…after I turned one I no longer required my kennel. You read that right, I was TRUSTWORTHY…well until that baby came home. Then, all of a sudden, whenever I wanted to check him out my parents’ eyes were glued to my every move. It made sense, but that was quite the transition! Glad I proved myself trustworthy around my sibling and they quickly lessened their stares.

Change #3: Smile

I used to be the center of my mom’s world. Her photostream was FULL of my sweet face, and now I’m lucky if I get in the background of any photo! I know he’s cute, cuddly, and chubby, but I joined the family seven years before he did! I mean, how can you resist snapping a pic of this face??

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Change #4: Daycare Changes

Now that baby goes to daycare, the budget for my play dates has dwindled. I’ve always had loads of energy and my parents took me to the dog park or doggie daycare to help me burn it off. That lifestyle changed the minute baby started daycare, and now I need more attention in the evenings…which is when the baby needs stuff too. Good thing there are two parents in the house, one for each of us! The backyard is still pretty fun.

Change #5: Lack of Sleep

I’m a dog. Sleeping is my job. Enough said.

Change #6: Toddlers are cool

That’s right, you read it…toddlers are cool! They give you snacks, all the time! Don’t get me wrong, I could easily do without the baby phase that includes all the crying, lack of sleep, and grouchy parents.

I will be the first to admit, I’m not the young pup I used to be. Toddlers are a bundle of energy and I get worn out easily. If I could do it all over again, I’d ask for one of these “siblings” when I was younger. We have a lot of exploring to do! I cannot wait to show him how to bark at cars, people or other dogs as they pass the house! So, if you’re still reading this and preparing your fur baby for a sibling, make sure they stick it out and wait for the ultimate reward…toddler snacks!

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