Baby Buster

I love my dog. I do. I am completely in love with Buster. Buster has been a beautiful addition to mine and Chad’s life and I truly feel he has taught us valuable lessons on becoming parents. Obviously, our parents are the number one contributors in that department; however, parents set the example and Buster has given us the opportunity to practice the example.

We got him just over three years ago. At the time, Chad and I were living in a small apartment and there really wasn’t room for a dog, but I insisted, and I got my way. I had a Pomeranian growing up, Bubbles, and I loved him dearly (he passed away about 6 months ago) so I knew I wanted to share my living space with another Pom. After seeing dozens of Poms, I finally found one in the local paper that seemed like a good fit. The minute I saw him bounce out the carrier I was a goner; I was in love and I knew I would buy him.

Chad had never been a fan of small dogs, but he immediately grew to love Buster and now they are best friends. Sometimes I think Buster loves Chad more than me! They are inseparable and it is completely adorable to watch the two of them play together. Buster truly is our “first child”. I know that a dog and a human baby are very different. But Buster is definitely part of the parenting process for us. First you take care of yourself. Then you take care of a plant. Then you take care of a dog. Then it’s time for a human baby. I know that Buster will be an amazing older brother. I cannot wait to watch him with the Baby. I 100% trust Buster and know he will be nothing but gentle with the new baby.

Buster has truly taught us how to take care of another living being. And now that I am pregnant I feel more in love with him than ever; and I want to make sure he is taken care of more than ever. Buster has needs and Chad and I need to make sure we are able to meet those needs. We need to make sure he is feed, watered, loved, exercised, cleaned and has a safe place to call his own. We have to find dog-sitters and take him to the dog-doctor. Taking care of him and watching him grow has been such a joy. I can’t imagine how wonderful it will be to see our child grow, learn and thrive in this crazy world. Buster, like a child, even gets an attitude and is deliberately defiant—it’s so funny. I definitely anticipate Buster and the Baby teaming up and leaving poor ‘ol mom and dad in the dust.

I feel that Buster can sense that there is life growing inside me. On Tuesday of this week he jumped in my lap after dinner, like he usually does. Then, out of nowhere he began sniffing my belly like crazy. Next thing I knew he put his snout up my shirt and began licking my belly. It was so sweet. He was licking my belly in the same exact spot that we had heard the heart beat on Monday. It was crazy. I absolutely loved it. Of course Chad had to crack a joke and say, “He’s just getting the cheese that’s stuck in between all your rolls.” But we both knew that there was something more to it than that.

For all you pet owners out there…I salute you. Animals truly are our children. They are very important and hold a very special place in our families.