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1.07.2014

My DOG is a DOG Already

There is no denying I love my dog. There are more posts about him than there are me and Steven on this blog! Ridiculous? Probably to some. But in many ways Huckleberry has been a sort of lifeline for me since moving to Washington. I tease Steven that it's his fault I have such a dependency on my dog. I lived alone with Huck in a little lake house, just the two of us, for about 7 months. We grew close and soon a mutual dependence evolved I think. We simply both felt better if the other was near by. When Huck is inside he is continually by my side. My life would be a lonely one if I didn't hear his padded paws shadowing my every move. 
I think because I do have such an obvious love for and connection with my dog people find it necessary to tell me that when the baby comes our relationship will change. He will no longer be near the top of my priority list and I will no longer treat him like a member of the family, but instead, he will simply become a dog

Oh, unsolicited advice. You are a funny thing...

Contrary to popular belief, I do know my dog is in fact a dog. And I also have no doubt that when the baby comes the overall dynamic in my household will change. I don't think that means that my bond with Huck will be broken. Huck knows big changes are on the horizon. He's seen and sniffed all the new additions added to our home --the crib, the rocker, the plush blue dinosaur that resides in baby's room. Huck lays by the crib and naps while I organize our baby's clothes, books, and other things --a room that we never used to spend time in. He knows something new and different is happening. He can hear the baby's heartbeat and he can smell the hormonal differences in me. 

My dog isn't my baby. I am well aware of that. But he is one of my very best friends. And as my responsibilities and interests shift and change over the next few months, so will his. When our little guy arrives I picture Huck no longer constantly under my feet, but instead by this new little additions side. Huck is a part of our family and he will always be a priority. You'll never see him banished outside to be forgotten and I will never understand the people who choose to do that (unless your dog becomes aggressive, etc. And then don't banish him, rehome him!). 

Huck and I are going to be just fine when the baby arrives. So all you nay sayers who are concerned about my dog becoming a dog, you should know that he already is! And we love him just the same. 
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Enough of me ranting, today I want to introduce you to Tara from Starletta Designs...
As a graphic designer, jewelry designer, and administrative assistance, this girl has a lot on her plate and can craft some pretty captivating posts that instantly nab your attention. She was vulnerable enough to share the 10 thing her late father has taught her in a recent post as well as give us a candid look into her childhood recently.  And I just love her straight forward post on reasons why she will never be a fashion blogger, which I think a lot of us non-fashion blogger can really relate to. To read more from Tara visit her blog and be sure to follow her on Bloglovin!

21 comments:

Mer in America said...

Awww I really liked this post! I love my animals like "people" and sometimes others just don't get that. Anddd I don't care. No they aren't human, but they are still family. I definitely get it;)

Maggie said...

Such a sweet post...dogs are supposed to be more than just pets. They are, liked you said, our best friends and make our houses homes.

And I'm with you on the unsolicited advice! It drives me crazy!

Love that picture of Huck! So sweet!

Holly said...

When I was pregnant, friends and family were constantly asking if we were going to "get rid" of Chloe once the baby came. It made me so mad! Dogs are part of the family - not until a baby comes or you decide to move away, until FOREVER. I love this post :)

Natalie | Mrs. Janney | said...

I have gotten a few comments on my blog since Henry came around asking if Cotton and Taylor still mattered. Of course they matter!! Just because they aren't my PRIMARY focus these days doesn't mean they don't get love and attention. They do. But it isn't the same anymore. They don't require my constant attention for survival, so they aren't the center of my world anymore. But they are definitely still a huge part of my world.

LOVED this post. Huck and the baby will be best friends too and it will be THE CUTEST thing. Cotton and Henry LOVE each other. It's cute.

Kristyn @ Carolina Fireflies said...

I love this post! It is ridiculous that some people think (and do!) basically give up on their pet when a baby comes. So glad to hear you aren't one of those people! xoxo

Sarah said...

I love this. I am positive Huck is going to be an excellent big brother and a still constant support for you!

Melissa Smith said...

So so true! People think that when baby comes dogs need to be rehomed automatically or that they'll not be important to the family anymore. we had family members telling us we'd be getting rid of our dogs and I would just say I highly doubt it.

I hope all is well and you're loving the last bit of pregnancy, enjoy it because I'm not wishing I was still pregnant again-having a newborn is soooo much harder than I anticipated.

Best wishes

AM said...

Aw what a nice post. Though a dog may be considered an animal or just a dog in our house the dog is considered our baby. Rarely do we even say the word dog she has to many other cute nicknames. :)

Alexa said...

Wonderful post, friend! I can't imagine how hard it is when people say things like that to you about Huck. But I know he's going to be such a great big brother and will still be by your side every second, taking it all in and probably thinking baby boy is his own! :)

Anonymous said...

LOVE this! I have heard people say those crazy things several times, and it's super annoying. Haha. Dogs will always have a special place in our hearts. :)

Unknown said...

I still absolutely adore my pup...she will always be my first "baby", nothing changes that. Now that the actual baby is here it has definitely changed things, and she has been sad and mopey for the majority of the past 8 months. But I swear this has more to do with her breed (shih tzu) and their need to be center of attention than anything else. She knows she's still loved and cherished and is treated better than probably the majority of doggies out there. I had people say the same things to me and I would get SO mad! You know how much you love your pup and that he will still be major priority in your life...gah, some people drive me crazy! Good luck to you girl, I hope he loves your little guy from day one!

Namrata said...

Priorities will change with no doubt but then again the way you arranged both of them align to each other, that's really awesome. I hope your new baby also loves him the way you do and also Hucks love him more than he does to you. I am sure they will be the best of friends and soon you will rant about how Huck is spending more time with baby than you.

Take care..:)

Namrata said...

Priorities will change with no doubt but then again the way you arranged both of them align to each other, that's really awesome. I hope your new baby also loves him the way you do and also Hucks love him more than he does to you. I am sure they will be the best of friends and soon you will rant about how Huck is spending more time with baby than you.

Take care..:)

Cara said...

Dogs aren't just dogs. I don't care what anyone else says. I think we have a special connection with dogs that isn't even possible to have with a baby or another human being. It is just... different.

cynthia said...

I think one of the things I am looking forward to most as my son gets bigger (he's almost 8 months now) is he and our dogs being buddies! :)

Kenzie Smith said...

Aw this post is so sweet :) You can definitely tell that Huck is more than "just a dog" to you. He is lucky to have you!!

Unknown said...

There is no denying that dogs play an important part in someone's life ever since. Having Huck around certainly helped you cope with some hard times considering your line of work. How is he now? Make sure he gets enough exercise okay? Good day!

KLGDogWalker

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Unknown said...

Awww! Dogs are faithful friends, and they really deserve to be treated as family. Your situation may have changed when your baby came, but I'm sure your relationship with Huck didn't. In any way, thanks for sharing your lovely thoughts, Danielle! All the best to you!


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