This month's blog post is dedicated to the unsung heroes of our homes - our loyal family dogs. A special shout-out goes to my Boston Terrier, Sully, who endures endless tugging, pulling, and even the occasional piggyback ride from our little humans. You’ve become reluctant, furry babysitters, and for that, we owe you our gratitude.
We brought Sully home seven years ago as a tiny puppy, and he quickly became the center of our universe. Back then, he was perfectly pampered, always clean, and spoiled with baskets of toys and treats. Sully was the ideal companion for a young couple experiencing their first taste of responsibility. Fast forward a few years, and Sully has seen it all - our dating days, marriage, and now, the chaos of two kids. Once the pampered pooch who slept in our bed, Sully has now become, “Ummm, has anyone fed the dog today?”
His once leisurely walks to the park have transformed into wide-eyed, slightly panicked sprints around the backyard as he tries to escape a 4-year-old armed with a squirt gun. I’ve come home from work to find Sully sitting in the living room, sporting a paper crown and blanket cape, his eyes practically screaming, “Why did you have kids?” Poor guy.
He’s patiently sat by his water bowl, waiting for someone to remove the Hot Wheels cars from their makeshift car wash, and it’s not uncommon to find him behind a closed bedroom door, panting, as he plays “jail” with my son. Again, those “why me?” eyes. Poor fella.
Sully’s also packed on a few extra pounds, thanks to the constant stream of snacks and crumbs that seem to magically find their way to the floor. Is it normal for a Boston Terrier to weigh 48 pounds? Probably not, but he doesn’t seem to mind being our second vacuum cleaner, and he does a pretty stellar job on the kitchen floor. He’s developed quite a fondness for Triscuits and cheddar crackers.
Overweight, tired, and now slightly less pristine, our old boy is still the best dog I could ask for when it comes to my two kids. He’s a gentle companion who’s rolled with every change in our family’s dynamic.
So, as a little thank you to Sully and all the dogs out there who have adjusted to life with kids, I’m going to carve out some special one-on-one time with our family’s original baby this month. If you have a dog who’s gracefully transitioned along with your growing family, I encourage you to do the same. Fill those toy baskets back up, rub those bellies, and treat them to a well-deserved doggie spa day. Our furry friends deserve it - they’ve more than earned it.
Photography credit: Jeremy Padgett
