The Third Child I Never Thought I'd Have

[Jennifer & Truffle]

No, I am not pregnant (that factory closed 8.75 years ago). My third child's name is Truffle. And he's technically not a child but a canine.  But like Chloe and Sophie, he demands much of my time, attention and affection.

If you had asked me a couple of years ago whether I'd ever write about a dog in a loving and maternal way, I would have laughed you out of my house.  But look who's eating crow now.

Truffle is my toddler with four legs. He doesn't wear diapers but he requires an endless supply of poop bags. He wasn't potty-trained to go on a toilet, but instead prefers the mulch in our backyard. Like a toddler, he tries my patience, makes me laugh and sometimes causes me to yell. He's a selective listener. He gleefully struts around naked, just like my girls when they were little. He doesn't cry, but his bark is a lot more grating than toddler tears. He jumps on furniture, encouraged by Sophie, who also jumps on furniture. He doesn't always nap when I'd like him to nap.  He squirms when I try to clean his ears or brush his fur.

Truffle unknowingly makes me feel guilty when I ignore or berate him. He follows me like a shadow and sometimes makes Sophie a little jealous when I focus on him and not her.  "Mom, that's not fair! You're feeding Truffle before you feed me!"  Does the addition of Truffle to our family make Sophie a middle child? Although Truffle doesn't attend pre-K and will never be a college graduate, in the 10 short months of his life so far, we've spent more money on private training and obedience school than I care to admit.

To read more about my third child and our first experience with matted fur, click HERE.

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Thanks, Julie - he's loving his new look!  

[Julie and Max]

Truffle is adorable with or without fur!

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Thanks, Leslie!  The mats - other than those around his neck/chin from the cone - came out of nowhere.  Before the shave, we had Truffle groomed on a regular basis and he was fine at his last appointment.  But once they started, they cropped up like weeds - every time I'd remove one, a new one would pop up in its place the next day.  Our groomer is great and determined to help us ensure that Truffle's coat stays healthy as it grows back to a more manageable length.  

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Truffle is adorable either way. I read your blog about the matts. It must be the age. Yogi is almost 10 months old and we have been battling the matts for about a month now. We've had dogs before our doodle, but he is extra special in our hearts!

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Thanks very much, Janie.  He's a good boy (most of the time!).  Your pups are precious, too!

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Truffle is just adorable and the photo is so sweet!

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Thank you for reading my blog, Lori and Carla. Indeed, we're all still amazed at how different Truffle looks now. But he's still the same Truffle - although he does seem a little more playful and frisky than usual!

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

Wonderful blog!!!! Truffle looks so different than he was when he was younger, but still adorable.

I think we can all relate to the 3rd child. I never thought I would be doing "play dates" with my dogs!!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Adorable! 

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Hi, Christine.  It's funny that you mention feisty - I find that Truffle has a bit more spring in his step since coming home yesterday afternoon (to the point where he's forgetting how to behave).  And I'm enjoying watching him run  - he's a bit like a gazelle with his long, skinny legs!