Bringing home a newborn baby is so exciting in so many different ways, but do you ever wonder, “How is my dog or cat going to handle this big change?” Jessica Powell is the instructor for our upcoming Bringing Home Baby workshop. She served as an interpreter to share one dog’s point of view:
Greetings human friends, it’s me, Fido! I wanted to tell you how great my life is! I have the best mom and dad in the world. It’s just the three of us, and life is perfect! We live in a great house, and I even have a fenced in yard! I am the center of my people’s world. Sometimes they must leave, but when they are at home or can take me with them (I love car rides) we are connected like glue. Some of my favorite things are going for long walks, helping them cook in the kitchen (I clean up), and getting belly rubs.
I could go on and on about all the cool things I get to do, but let’s just start with today.
Today is a great day! WOOF! This morning was the usual, I woke up and noticed my family was still asleep. That’s ok! I know how to wake them up! I slowly wiggled like an army man up to their pillows, whined a bit (to warn them of course) then ATTACKED them with kisses! This is one of my favorites, especially when they start squealing. We snuggled for a little while, so I rolled over for my daily belly rub. Eventually, dad crept out of bed to take me on my morning walk. Once back inside, he gave me breakfast topped with leftovers of that yummy chicken I watched them eat the night before for dinner, DELISH!
Normally we proceed with our morning routines. That's dad reading the paper while mom showers and I bask in the sun pouring in from the kitchen window. Today was one of those days where our routine was a little mixed up, but that’s okay because I am an understanding dude and they always make it up to me in the evening with cuddles on the sofa.
This morning’s “change up” started with mom rushing into the kitchen with a suitcase and saying some human gibberish really fast to dad. She seemed to be in a hurry…I think excited and scared maybe? I noticed she had been gaining some weight in the belly, but today she looks especially big. I should have jumped up and licked her to make her feel better, but she seemed to be in discomfort. Instead, I sat happily and wagged my tail for her. This normally makes her smile. Dad grabbed the keys and patted me on the head. Who knows where they are going, but I decided to just curl up on the couch and started dozing off dreaming about our next adventure to the river.
Three days have passed… a nice lady has been visiting and spending the night. We have been having a ball, but I am starting to get worried why my people aren’t coming home. WAIT! I think I hear their car! I run to the window to see who it may be. YES! YES! They are home! Sorry nice lady, but it is time for you to leave, my own people are back to play with me! As I am spinning in circles and happily barking for them to get inside I notice dad get something out of the back of the car. I knew they would bring me a new toy!
As the door opens I am pushing through the door to greet them. I don’t get the same excited greeting. I mean don’t get me wrong, mom is happy to see me, but she seems to be acting different. Maybe dad will act better. As he walks in I go to sniff my new toy. OUCH! What is that loud noise? It hurts my ears! Stop! It smells funny too!
“HELLO! I am right here! I am your world, remember?!” I shout out, but they’re telling me to stop all the barking. Why can’t humans understand when I talk? And WHY are they giving so much attention to this “thing” that smells funny and is making so much noise?
Do they not love me anymore? Was I not good enough? What can I do to remind them I am here? Maybe I need to chew one of their shoes? Or jump on their laps even when they push me down. Or maybe I need to bark at the noisy intruder until they recognize it is not supposed to be in this house, MY HOUSE! I am SO confused.
Please friends, help me understand!
Woof woof,
Nervous Fido
Animals and humans speak in different languages. It is easy for us to just expect our cats and dogs to know what is going on, and the importance of bringing home a baby. We also want them to know they are loved, but can’t give them the same kind of attention we did before. Poor Fido is just an example of the confusion many pets feel and explains why they may act out.
Bringing Home Baby is a workshop designed to help you set up a positive routine and lifestyle for your pets BEFORE baby comes home. We teach you preparation skills, what to expect, and how to have the best introduction as possible.
Bringing home a newborn is such an exciting time for everyone. Let’s work together to also make it a positive experience for our pets!
Bringing Home Baby
Wednesday, June 12
6:30-8 p.m.
Workshop details and registration
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Jessica Powell is a certified trainer and behavior specialist at the Richmond SPCA. To read the biographies of our regular bloggers, please click here. Before posting a comment, please review our comment guidelines. Please note that our comment policy requires a first and last name to be used as your screen name.
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