we will make it just fine
Some would say that I love my dog too much. Humpf. To quote, “As if!” (Oh Clueless)
Last weekend my in-laws came to visit and they made it clear that Bella has no boundaries.
Just to be clear, she does have boundaries but we are okay with her cuddling in bed with us and getting on the furniture. She is really just a big love bug.
“Yo Bitches, What do you mean I don’t have boundaries?”
Since Bella was a rescue dog she came with a bunch of fears. And one thing she seemed to be scared of was her own voice. She barked so infrequently that when she did let one slip she would get this look like, “was that me?!?!”
As she has gradually gotten more comfortable in our home and now knows she is in a happy and safe place she has taken to strutting her stuff. Barking when that doorbell rings or when someone walks down the sidewalk. And keep in mind she is a Rottweiler. Her bark is fierce. But her bite? Uh…more like a lick?
“Don’t mess with me? I’ll tear you up!”
She has also gotten a lot more protective of me since she senses something different. I really think she knows I’ve got a bun in the oven. She goes in phases where she won’t leave my side and where she doesn’t like anyone coming near me.
“Enough with the kisses, sheesh!”
We schedule weekly play dates for her and take her to day care three days a week. She definitely has her share of what Keith calls “doggy stimulation” and if that makes me a crazy dog mama then that makes me a crazy dog mama. I just can’t stand the idea of her sitting in our house all day long alone. And she only likes the backyard when someone is out there with her.
“I will only sun myself if you watch”
This dog saved me. We got her after the second miscarriage and she brought so much mothering to my life that it eased the pain somewhat. It also made me less angry. It was hard to be so angry and so pissed off at the world when I saw her face everyday.
What’s not to love?
So you know what? My dog may not know all the fancy commands (but sit, lay down and hug) and that’s okay with me. She may like to chew all the stuffing out of her stuffed animals and holes in Keith’s socks. She may like to sit on my lap and sleep in my bed but that dog loves me and Keith something major. And the feeling is entirely mutual. I know introducing a baby into her life will be an adjustment. Heck, introducing a baby into my life will be an adjustment. But I have a feeling we are going to make it just fine.
What Kelly Said 
Dogs really can be such a source of comfort! I love that last picture of the both of you. And Murphy isn’t very well trained either. He can sit and that’s basically it.
Too bad Murphy and Bella can’t meet!!
What is great is the baby and your fur baby will get to grow up together! We lost our 12 yr old black lab Max last month. He grew up with our daughter, Bella. It was and always will be an amazing relationship we will hold in our hearts forever! You look great!
I know!!! I love that my baby and Bella are going to grow up together! It makes it so special!!
I love this. With Lexie being a rescue dog, she had a lot of fears when I first got her too. I think losing those and feeling comfortable screwing up every now and then is pretty big progress.This morning Lexie came bouncing up to me with something in her mouth, and when I grabbed it, it was one of my favorite running socks. That’s what I get for leaving them on the floor. 🙂 Besides, who wants a perfect dog? Where’s the fun in that? Bella seems wonderful, and you guys obviously love her. That’s the only thing that matters.
We got told all the time that after we had a baby, our dogs would “just be dogs” to us. We’re still waiting for that to happen. 🙂 Bella is such a sweet girl!
Thanks Anna!!! I love this! I knew you would totally get it and your comment made me feel really good about fitting a baby in with Bella! And I get so sick of hearing all the comments about how Bella isn’t going to be special anymore. It makes me kinda mad!!
So beautiful Kelly!! Loved reading this, and I think ‘spoiling’ Bella is all part of the fun. She is such a cute little girl, and I have a feeling she is going to just go crazy (in a good way) over your little baby!
Sloshball was rained out so we just partied at our house. 🙂