I have often heard that pets can resemble their human counterparts. There is a very clear depiction of this phenomenon in the movie 707 Dalmatians, where the visual resemblances are uncanny. In reality, I think the commonalities are often more in temperament and personality. But are we drawn to pets that are similar to ourselves, or do both creatures adjust to become more like each other?
I think it is a little bit of both, with some destiny thrown in the mix. That has become more clear to me, particularly this year as we welcomed our second son to our family. As much as our dogs initially belonged to my husband and me, now they belong to, and resemble, our children.
Freddy is a chocolate lab and Australian shepherd mix who we got shortly after we married. Billy is a mini- Australian shepherd who joined us because of course our first dog needed a friend. It was a while before we had a child, so the dogs spent a long time as our “children,” and they were spoiled fur babies. Special treats, daily walks, park time, even a stint of frisbee-dog competition. Days were filled with play, cuddles, naps on the couch, and sleeping in our bed.
Freddy was my pick, and Billy was my husband’s. I felt like they mirrored us in that way. Freddy gravitated to my husband and Billy was always in my lap, they became our shadows in the same way we were each other’s newlywed other halves.
Then our first son was born. There were new rules, new noises and smells, new routines. The time and attention the pups were used to was abruptly cut short. And just as quickly as those changes came around, the baby was soon walking, talking, and playing. He was both a new friend and a nuisance to Freddy and Billy.
I have heard a lot about “mom guilt” but more frequently I feel “dog mom” guilt, especially after bringing home our second son. The walks and park trips have become sparse, treats were replaced with scraps dropped from the highchair, and puppy naps are often interrupted by crying. But somehow, our sweet dogs still wait by the door when we leave and jump with excitement when
we return. We are so blessed by their unconditional love. When I am up in the middle of the night with a crying baby, I know there are always two fur balls waiting at the foot of my bed when I return.
Now I get to watch my dogs grow up alongside my kids. And as fast as childhoods go by, doghood goes by faster (7 times faster or something like that). Freddy is even getting grey around his nose. This time with all our boys is precious, and often feels predetermined by fate. Freddy is more energetic and playful, the perfect counterpart to our toddler who loves to throw the ball and play chase. Billy is the perfect cuddle buddy for my velcro baby who always wants to be held close. Our family is perfectly balanced by our dogs who came to us at just the right time and in just the right way.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the pet issue!
Megan Mayes
Megan is the guest columnist this month. She is Tina Eichner’s daughter and managing editor of Our Broomfield.
