Kids and Dogs

I'd be lying if I said there haven't been times since we had kids that I've wished we didn't have dogs.

We adopted Scout just four short years ago. He really was our baby, and we took him Everywhere. We were those people.

Needless to say, Scout doesn't leave our house very much anymore. Partially because we can't fit him, Maggie, 2 kids and 2 adults in a Focus, but mostly because once you have kids, bringing the dogs on small couple hour outings just doesn't make sense.

Because we suffer from Dog Parent Amnesia as well as Parent Amnesia, we agreed to take in another dog last fall. Her name is Maggie and she's a 6 year old golden retriever. She's a love. Our friends, who were moving, couldn't take her with them, and the people that were supposed to take her, backed out that day. Steve was able to convince me that it was worth taking her in and seeing if it would work out, because worst came to worst, she would end up at the animal shelter, which is where she was going to go anyway.

I don't regret it.

She is very clearly Buddy's dog. She greets him with kisses every morning, and she lets him tug and pull on her like nobody's business. He literally lights up when he sees her. They are the best of friends and you know they'll be exploring the outdoors together every day in just a few years.

Scout is very clearly Rosie's dog. While she detests Maggie's kisses, she squeals when Scout comes slowly in the room, wagging his tail. She's learned to pet him nicely and I can see him sleeping on her bed someday.

When I watch Rosie gently pet Scout's head and Buddy bury his face in Maggie's fur, I know without a doubt that having dogs is one of the best things for our kids. I think it has made them love animals in general. I remember how much my dog meant to me when I was little. You never forget your first dog.

So even though the dogs wake the kids up sometime, and drive me batty by chewing up toys and underwear, I do still love them and am glad we have them.