Life with 2 Dogs and a Toddler

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

It's hard!  There...I said it.  Not because of behavioral issues as the dogs are EXCELLENT with Charlotte and Charlotte is just as excellent with them.  I've had one time where Charlotte has gone up to Peri and kind of shoved her to move out of the way and she got a "simmer time" (aka time out) for that one!  Charlotte generally knows to be gentle with her doggies.  Peri licks her and follows her around. And Taquito tolerates pets from her, which is a major victory (he's a Chihuahua for goodness sakes!).

 

My biggest challenge is time. Time to love the dogs, feed the dogs, walk the dogs, etc...all balancing with Charlotte being so needy and time consuming.  Simply put, working, dogs, children all add up to chaos at times. But it's worth it!  The dogs seem to be very happy with their lives and the pack has really settled into a good routine.  Charlotte tells Peri and Taquito to sit and gives them treats. They are extremely gentle with her - you should see how they take treats from her.  And she thinks it is hilarious and says "thank you" to them after for some reason.

 

Charlotte's 3rd word (after mom and daddy) was "Woof". Her 4th was "Taquito" and her 5th was "Peri". 

 

Taquito is undergoing sub-q treatments 2x per month to flush the kidneys and the doctor is going to let me start doing it at home after I do it at the vet myself on Saturday.  She thinks he could live another year with those.  I pray that happens, but only if T. continues to be happy :)

 

Here is a pic of Peri and Charlotte outside recently.  It is my profile pic, but it's so small I wanted everyone to see it closer up.

 

I love my kids and wouldn't trade any of them for the world (chaos and all).

 

 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I think you are doing an amazing job, Allyson, balancing your obligations and loves.  This is the most wonderful time in your life - enjoy!

[Adina P]

And the photo is adorable!

[Adina P]

Oh boy is there chaos.  It is a rare day that I take both dogs (or even one) out for a walk.  There are simply too many things that have to fall into place to make that happen for me.  Luckily they chase and play with each other in the yard and now that it's been so nice outside all my kids go out and play in the yard while I cook or clean up or simply enjoy quiet in the house.  And some days the dogs spend a lot of time in the mud room.  I feel like a terrible dog owner quite often because I just don't have much time for quality time and my threshold for chaos tolerance (noise & movement more than mess because I seem to tolerate that a little too well...haha!) is extremely low.  I can't even imagine having a puppy instead of two adult dogs right now.  But you're right, in the end it is worth it.