Zero

I have a dog. His name is Zero. He originally was my husband's, prior to us meeting. Zero is a lab/beagle mix and is actually a pretty good dog. When I first moved in he wasn't too happy about it. However, he soon took a liking to me once he found out that I cook every night, that I am home every night (so he isn't stuck outside), and that it is another set of hands to pet him.

However, he still wasn't happy that my husband was paying attention to someone else. Nor was he very happy that I banned him from the bed (pet hair makes me itchy). The bed thing didn't last long though, he won that battle until he got too chubby to jump up there (remember, me cooking every night).

Now besides getting muddy and occasionally chewing on something that isn't his, he is an excellent dog.

Along comes a baby. Zero isn't happy at all. He barks a lot and acts depressed. I will admit my time for him dramatically decreased. Not much petting time and even less walks. Additionally, when I am feeling pulled in every direction, his rope is usually the one I snap, or snap at, first. I have felt generally guilty about but haven't done much about it. I know it is terrible of me.

Last night I read this thing on pinterest about dogs. Basically it was saying treat your dog right. I don't remember exactly what they all said but one basically said.... You have your friends and family, I only have you. That broke my heart. It is so true. I know how frustrated and crazy I get being stuck at home. I know how sometimes I go to Target just to get out of the house. I know how much I miss that daily interaction with adults that work afforded me. I know how much it lifts me up when I get to hang out with friends. I know how depressing it can feel to be ignored. So needless to say I felt like a pretty bad owner. I vowed to be better.

This morning I spent a few minutes petting him. I talked nicely to him during the day. I gave him a treat for being good while we were at the store.

From now on I will be a better dog owner. Yes the baby comes first but the dog relies on me just as much for his love and attention.