My Take on Dogs

I am very proud and excited to share that I have returned to the wonderful world of dog owners! Daciana has been home since the 7th of November and is integrating into our lives very well. I must admit, I have missed being a part of the "Dog World" (yes, it exists). I love being a part of the baby world -- more specifically, I LOVE being a part of Nealie’s world. When I meet other moms at the playground, we don’t start chatting each other up about our children. However, that has always been my experience with other dog owners; there is just this bond that emanates between two people who have wet-nosed, furry companions.

So I have a pet peeve. The #1 comment that I have been receiving from the passersby who ogle at my puppy is: "Are you going to breed her?" Huh? Really? It's like the dreaded "When are you guys going to have more children" question. Perhaps I relate the two because both answers are the same: NEVER. I know that people ask these questions because I have a gorgeous, wonderful daughter and a sweet, fluffy puppy. I just get frustrated, probably because I have wavered on both issues.

I was talking with some friends the other day and I was very excited because Daci had only gotten up twice during the previous night. I told them that I thanked Nealie for teaching me about sleepless nights so that I was willing to get up with my puppy. This might sound silly, as a friend commented, that a baby has prepared me for a puppy, but it’s true. I got Kado when I was 18 or 19 and, when he woke up whining to go out, I refused and then got mad when I woke up to his accidents. So a friend made the comment that the difference between a dog and a baby is that you can get rid of the dog.

OUCH.

Over the years, I have owned a few dogs and it hurts my heart that I have been guilty of treating them as dispensable. I have this idea that dogs are a part of the family, but if that is so, then why are they thrown by the wayside so often? Having Nealie in my life has given me the wonderful gift of knowing that TODAY is the most important day, and that I am not too busy to focus on those most important to me.

Thanks Nealie.