Things I'm Freaking Out About Off and On, Part 2

My other babies--this is a big one. We have a VERY special relationship with our dogs. They sleep in our room (sometimes under the covers with us); they go to doggie daycare twice a week; they go to playgroup on saturdays; they eat premium dogfoods that are healthier and costs more than most meals that we eat. In addition, we have a general "they are part of our little family" attitude. For example, we talk about them at dinner and catch each other up on what the dogs did that day. We re-tell funny stories about the crazy things that the dogs have done, etc.

I've known other couples who've had relationships like this with their pets. That is, until the kids came along. My sister and her husband doted on their mini schnauzer until the day my niece came home. After that, they not only started ignoring the poor dog, they actually talk now about how they're grateful that she's 11 and wont be alive much longer. And they complain constantly about how her poor eyesight makes her messy with her food, or about how her muddy feet are unacceptable now that the kids are walking on the carpet, too. That dog was treated like a princess, and now.... It is nearly the same with one of my friends who has 2 dogs and a new baby. No more walks, some love but no more spoiling. Barely any attention. When I see her dogs, they are insanely needy. They beg for attention.

I know that for non-dog people this may seem trivial. But for those of us who really do count our animals as members of the family, this really is heartbreaking. I love my puppies. I worry about them. I spend a fortune to make sure that they are healthy and happy. I comfort them when they are sad or scared or sick, and they do the same for me. The thought of them wandering around the house, ignored for days on end, is so upsetting.