Those with pets ....

Are you afraid that you aren't going to be as loving to your pet when baby comes along??

This breaks my heart to think about it but I worry that I might not be as attentive....I don't want to be that way....

Re: Those with pets ....

I think I am more afraid that my pets will not accept the baby & thereby make it hard for us to all spend time together We have 4 dogs, and although I make sure they all get tons of love & we do everything together, once the baby comes they need to be accepting of the new little one for that to continue the same way.

Re: Those with pets ....

I am really hoping that things don't change with Molly. I know they will a little bit - but I def. want to make quality time to spend with her also. I think in the beginning the adjustment will be a little rough - but I think after a few months things will go back to normal.

Re: Those with pets ....

I was worried, but lately w/my moodiness I haven't paid much attention to my cat anyway...he gets on my nerves sometimes, the poor little thing! Aw, I do love the bugger. But its OK because now he's all over DH and DH loves it!! And I am also hoping the cat is compensating DH for the affection he's not getting from me...I'm just too tired lately!!!

Re: Those with pets ....

That was my fear before we got pregnant. We had one dog at the time, so I talked to my groomer and she said, you should get another dog. Which seemed like a lot but she said two dogs are the same as one. So we got another dog, and she was right! It's actually even better, easier. They say that if they have a brother/sister than when the baby comes they're not as jealous. And your husband should bring home a receiving blanket from the hospital and let them smell the baby's scent to get used to it. I think it will take time but everyone will love eachother and have fun together!

Re: Those with pets ....

my dog definitely realizes the lack of attention and mopes around occassionally (although he moped before too)


but I will say that there is no greater bond than what our dog and DS have now. My son runs into the door, calling the dog's name and runs to the stairs waiting for him to come down!

Re: Those with pets ....

Same as the above poster, we got a second dog for many reasons, but one was to keep the first pup occupied a little bit more, a buddy for her. Totally helped, not to mention I love having two. I hope I can incorporate the pups into our activities like walks and outside play so everyone get attention. I'm sure the dogs will get a little less, but they're still so loved they'll be ok.

Re: Those with pets ....

Re: Those with pets ....

We have introduced children to my 2 puppies. They love kids.

It will be a learning curve for them. They will be a bit over 1 by the time the baby come. There will be some training (no jumping on baby!!). Then there will be some training with the baby (we don't pulll the hears, tail, respects for the animals).

It will be a big job!!!!

Re: Those with pets ....

Thanks -- we have a lab and we like to travel so it is hard to have 2 dogs to leave with anyone to take care of when we go away. So I don't think that will work.

But I will just have to make the extra efforts to be sure both puppy and baby get lots of lovin'!

Re: Those with pets ....

I have a jack russell, nothing changed when DD come home. I can't pick her up as much as i used too, but DD ADORES her! I love to see them interact.

In the beginning though, she avoided the baby at all costs, she couldn't take it when she cried, she would leave the room

Re: Those with pets ....

I am 1000% more afraid of how my dog will react to the new addition than I am of the pain of labor. In the beginning I know Murphy wont get the attention he does now but I am really going to try to involve him with everything. I am petrified of this part of it all.

Re: Those with pets ....

yes

I know our cats were our babies and then we got the dog and now abby is our baby and I know that the real baby is gonna do the same and its inevitable. Makes me feel sad.

Re: Those with pets ....

I am sad about it too....

But there are certain things that I want to keep just for Maggie. Like, I am too nervous to have the baby sleep in bed with us, and Maggie loves to sleep with us, so that will stay the same for her, which will help, I hope.

I keep telling her it is good we are having a , because she is my

Re: Those with pets ....

I wasn't, but I just finished reading "Baby Laughs" and Jenny McCarthy has a chapter called "Anorexic Pets" and talks about how much she loved her pets pre-baby and even though she still loves them they take a back seat to the child.

She said some nights she would go to bed and think "Crap! I forgot to feed the dogs today.'

Made me a little worried.

I'm going to make a concerted effort NOT to ignore my dog and make sure to integrate him as much as possible.

Message edited 3/15/2007 8:23:42 PM.

Re: Those with pets ....

It's impossible to give Bama the same amount of attention now as he got before Jackson was born. There just aren't enough hours in the day, and it breaks my heart that I don't get to spend as much time with him as I'd like.

I try my best though to get him out as much as possible, and play with him even though I might be exhausted. We still get to do lots of cuddling at night though when Jackson is asleep

Re: Those with pets ....

I have a Boxer who is very needy...I mean when we're home he is our total shadow...he is such a baby but we're trying to wean him off by giving him limited attention which is so hard when he sits down and looks at us with those puppy eyes...I love him to death and I think I'll have them both (the dog and the baby) on my lap at all times. Im trying to approach this whole experience in a positive way...I think it'll all work out great in the end.

He used to sleep with us, and we slowly weaned him off the bed and completely out of our bedroom which I am SO happy about! In the morning he still jumps into our bed to cuddle but he's been a good boy sleeping by himself in the livingroom...if we were able to get him out of the bed I think anything will be possible after that!

Re: Those with pets ....

I am freaking out about this! I once saw a CD of baby sounds that you're supposed to play before you bring baby home, to get your pet used to it. I have so many fears related to my dog and a baby. My dog is my little buddy!!

Re: Those with pets ....

Re: Those with pets ....

I will be home more so I will be able to give out puppy more attention:)

Re: Those with pets ....

Re: Those with pets ....

Re: Those with pets ....

We have a cat who we adore and who we treat almost like a child so yes, we have thought about this. My DH assures me he will spend plenty of time with our little furball since the baby will mostly be relying on me in the very beginning. I think our cat will be curious yet ultimately disinterested in the baby as that is how he is with most other kids he has been around.

Re: Those with pets ....

Re: Those with pets ....

The pets are still getting the same attention

Everyone sleeping:


Kitty enjoying the papsan chair:


Doggy doing tummy time: