I have had this post on my mind for a while now, but something that happened yesterday catapulted it onto the top of my list...
The whole time I was pregnant, I would always say to everyone (mostly joking) things like, "This baby is going to have to take a back seat to Bevo," and, "Bevo will always be my first born/my number one." Moms everywhere assured me that I would change my tune, but I just couldn't see it. Bevo was my baby. He was my everything. Other doggy mommas know what I am talking about. Making homemade dog treats, celebrating your dog's birthday with a bigger party than you own, letting the dog sleep (sometimes between the two of you) in bed, painting pictures of them (and actually hanging them in your house) spending an inappropriate amount of time during your vacation watching the doggy webcam in their suite at the dog hotel ...you know, the whole nine yards.
But then...the human baby came along. And, just as everyone told me they would, things changed so drastically and so immediately. Poor Bevo...the picture of neglect! Multiple walks daily turned into once a week if he was lucky. Constant snuggles and love turned into "Dammit, I just touched the dog..now I have to sanitize my hands." Car rides with the window down were a thing of the past...he was relegated to the "way back" where the windows don't even open. And that's if he was lucky and actually got to come with us when we went somewhere. Poor baby...the dog who didn't know he was a dog...the dog who was the center of our universe...was faced with a harsh reality...he was suddenly number two!
So after those first several weeks (months, maybe, but who's counting?) of getting adjusted to the new routine, we decided we had been really slacking as dog parents and vowed to be better. But then, yesterday happened. We went out on a few errands and put Bevo in his cage, the usual routine when we are going to be out of the house for a while. We came home, fed Trent, watched TV, googled, had a few drinks...just enjoyed the end of the weekend. And then, after at least an hour and a half, I went to get something out of the laundry room. That's when I saw him...poor, neglected Bevo...still in his cage! OMG!! We had been home for at least 90 minutes and had completely forgotten about him. I used to think about Bevo the whole time we were out somewhere and the whole way home...waiting to run in and let him out and get some cuddles. Not yesterday, though. I felt like a complete failure as a mom. And the worst part was that Bevo didn't whine or bark or yelp or anything. It was like he didn't expect anything less from us...like he was used to being forgotten.....ugh. So of course we immediately let him out and gave him tons of apologetic affection, and right then and there we renewed our vow to give him at least a shred of the pampered life he used to have. We are going to make this the summer of Bevo! Starting with this post honoring all things Bevo/doggy. Here are a few picks for Bevo, Baby and Mommy..
1. Elk Antler Chew - I know what you're thinking. I wasn't going to let my dog chew on a poor elk's antler either, but then I found out that elk actually shed their antlers...so no elk were harmed in the process! These things are AMAZING. I can't say it enough. My brother and sister-in-law brought one to Bevo from their recent trip to Colorado, and he has not put it down since. They are virtually indestructible, and there is something about the tissue/marrow of the antler that the dogs absolutely love (and actually has some nutritional value, I think). You can read more about antlers as dog chew here.
2. Frosty Paws - So, so good for a dog on a hot summer day. Stay tuned for how to make your own!
3. Operation Kindness Dog Day Afternoon - An awesome day out in the DFW area for dogs with tons of activities, food, games, contests and fun.
4. Frisco Dog Park
5. No Sew Dog Bed
I made something similar for Bevo a long time ago using just a big pillow on sale at Hobby Lobby, and it is his favorite thing EVER. He chooses it over our bed now, actually. It is super cheap and easy to make as well as very easy to wash. I made my doggy-nephew a matching one later, and apparently he loves it, too! Tutorial to come.
6. Ball Launcher
7. Kong Mini Squeaker Balls
8. Pet Head Products
OMG, blueberry muffin doggie shampoo in cute bottles? Nuff said.
9. Life is Good T-Shirt
10. Snack Plates
11. I Love Bevo Bib
12. I Love My Dog Shirt
13. Surf Dog Swim Trunks
14. Dog Suitcase
This is the perfect little bag for us to pack for Trent when he goes to Grandma's for the day! It is a great size (bigger than the diaper bag, but not too big) and has plenty of compartments. There is even a strap on the back so the adult can carry it like a backpack. Plus it will be adorable when he can start rolling it around himself.
Conclusion...it is possible to be both a doggy parent and a baby parent, but it definitely takes some adjusting on everyone's part. Don't forget about your little fur babies! And now...a few photo tributes to our first born..
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Love the Bevo!
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