A doggone dilemma

I celebrated Mother’s Day on Sunday. Some would say it’s not officially mine to celebrate just yet with the bub still in the tummy. But if the truth be told, I have been a mother for over 7 years now. I’m talking about my other child…of the furry type. I have been “mummy” to Roxy since she was just 10 weeks old. Yes, this is her and I back when she was only a youngster:

You can ask any of my friends and they will tell you that for years there were two constants in my life – Roxy and Mexican on Friday nights. Roxy has always been joined at the hip to me and where ever I go (even if it’s to the toilet!) she comes with me. We have developed a strong bond over the years and I would be completely lost without her.

Then Clint came along. Roxy took the adjustment pretty hard (as did Clint!) and the fact that I wasn’t devoting all my attention to her. It took both of them a while to come to terms with each other and I am happy to say that she now enjoys “daddy” cuddles just as much as “mummy” ones these days.

Now enter the new baby. Roxy already knows something is going on. A few weeks ago I was laying on the lounge with her at my side and she sniffed and licked my shirt. I thought maybe I had spilt something down the front of me, as I seem to do at least once a day now that I am pregnant (what is with that!?!). I lifted my shirt to take a look and Roxy continued to lick and smell my tummy. Yes, I think she knows there is a bun in the oven!

I want Roxy to feel connected to the expanding family unit and have been researching ways to introduce her and the new bub. Of course, one would go straight to the god of all dog training, Mr Cesar Millan for advice. In his article he suggests things like bringing home something with the baby’s scent and introducing the dog to that. He said it is also good to establish boundaries around the nursery, even long before you bring the baby home. I’ve heard other people suggest carrying a doll around with you and letting the dog get used to that.  I would love to hear from anyone who has experienced a similar situation so post a comment and tell us your story.

We have so much to look forward to once the baby comes. The only thing I am not looking forward to is when we all go to bed at night and I have Clint snoring on one side of me, Roxy laying on the floor on the other side farting and having her little nightmares, and the baby in the bassinet at the end of the bed crying. I guess I had better get as much rest as I can now!

Have fun!

Michelle