Leader of the Pack

When we decided to have a baby we knew there would be changes in our lifestyle. Our focus would shift from the locating the newest pubs around North Park to finding the best daycare in Scripps Ranch; from sleeping in till noon and greeting the day with a mimosa to waking up at 5am and greeting the day with a bottle...of milk. We were ready to face these changes and embrace them. Oliver on the other hand, being a dog, didn't have the capacity to recognize a change was coming. One day he went from being the baby in the family, the center of attention, to being second fiddle to what he probably thinks is an immobile blob, a rag doll. It's been a tough adjustment for him. And I don't think we're through it yet. He still thinks he's human.

If only we could sit down and have a conversation, talk through the changes. He could tell us his frustrations; we could tell him our challenges. We could say we're sorry; he could say I told you so. But our communication is limited. We default to the lowest common denominator and do our best to interpret the meaning. He's quite good at expressing himself. Some common canine expressions around here:

• Poop. All over the upstairs = I warned you.
• Sitting down in the middle of the road and refusing to move = I'm in control here. I'll take you for a walk in a minute.
• Taking all of Maren's toys out of the basket, one by one, and setting them in a heap next to the basket (stopping short of chewing or dismembering the toy in any way) = Who? Me? I'm just helping you organize. Wink, Wink.
• Licking Maren's toes when she get's home from daycare = I guess, she can stay.

All joking aside, I don't blame Oliver. In fact, I think it's a problem with the humans. But we're finding our balance again. Working on giving Oliver the attention he needs. And also finding a trainer to teach us how to better work with him through this adjustment. I'm looking forward to reading this post 5 years from now, 2 years from now. It's going to get so much more interesting...this is only the beginning. Hang in there Oliver...she'll be your BFF before you know it! Then Brent and I will feel left out.