Two Dogs and A Baby |

We have two dogs, 9-year-old Rockstarr Alan Jackson the 3rd who is a pit bull rescue that we have had since he was 6 weeks old, and 7-year-old Mohawk Anne Dimebag a pedigree British Bulldog who we have also had since she was a baby. As trying as it has been the last 2 years, they are both beautiful beings who my family loves very much and cannot imagine being without.

Before Miles Storm was born we were adamant that we would have no adjustment issues with the dogs once he was born, but we could not have been further than the truth. Wow, what an uproar the change was, and I think that it is something that new parents can never really prepare for especially if you have pets. There was a period, I am embarrassed to write, when we seriously had to consider finding new homes for both of them as we could not cope with the extra responsibility and we felt incredibly guilty, instead they spent a lot of time at a boarding facility upstate NY – Patty’s Pet Palace. Thankfully they love being at Patty’s Pet Palace!

Rockstarr and Mohawk were the center of my husband and my life’s for many years – they both had MySpace pages, they went everywhere with us and we even let them sleep in bed with us at night. But, not anymore!

I feel bad about it, but they are definitely left to entertain themselves a lot more these days as all of my time and my husband’s spare time revolves around Miles Storm. Both of the dogs took it very hard at first but now, being 2 years later, I think they have adjusted to their new way of life and are happy again. And, even though me and my husband do not have as much time for them, they are still both very well taken care of and have a beautiful life. More importantly though, Miles has picked up in the “giving attention area” where we lack. He adores his dogs, he really does, the 3 of them are very close. He fancies Mohawk more and honestly loves playing, feeding, cuddling and lately taking both of them for a walk. He even holds the leash all by himself. It is gorgeous to see the way the way they are all growing up together.

Before my Son was here, people expressed a variety of different opinions about having dogs around a newborn, opinions ranged to they might get jealous and attack the baby to they might be super protective of the baby. Everybody Has An Opinion When You Are Pregnant!!! I mean, personally I was never concerned about having either of them around Miles, not in the slightest bit. I knew I could handle it and no matter what the outcome I would make it work.

Expectantly, when Miles was around one-year-old and had just starting to walk by himself, Rockstarr and Mohawk, both snapped at him once or twice when he was bothering them to the extreme, like trying to sit on them or pulling on their ears. This stopped very quickly with me there to reprimand both Rockstarr and Mohawk though, they understood straight away, and nothing like that has happened since. This is something that had to happen so the 3 of them were clear of boundaries and knew where they all stood in the hierarchy of the family. I see it as a positive direction in establishing a safe and secure household for everybody.

I am a firm believer of the importance of having pets in the home. The benefits are endless; children will have less allergies (if any), they learn about and how to respect other beings, learn how to follow directions (such as putting a dog in his crate at night), develop confidence and explore freedom! Additionally, learning how to properly care and feed an animal prepares a child for caring for others. All around, it is just wonderful experience!

Here are some photos of the last 2 years of Miles Storm spending time with his two best friends – Rockstarr and Mohawk!