Four Dogs and a Baby

I wasn't sure how it was going to unfold. It had never happened before. But the moment had arrived. Four dogs and a baby were here. An impromptu breakfast had been planned. The four 'cousins' hadn't seen one another in several months. Sally, the retriever, had been under exercise 'arrest', solitary confinement. She had to be. On a reduced strict exercise regimen, after back-to-back surgeries in 2017, the time had come for all to meet, again. The only difference now was that a new baby was on board.

Mall Cop and Ella had a new human brother, a first for them. Ella was acting like a new mom, too. With the wiggler in their midst and Sally, too, how protective would they all be? Would they share? I decided to remove all barriers, for the time being. The Wiggler, with gift in mouth, was the annoyance factor in all of this. He would not sit still and that annoyed Mall Cop and Ella, briefly. Attention was shared by all adults to all children.

The baby is now 7 months old and raring to go, hither, thither and yon. He is on the verge of crawling while flipping himself beyond his baby mandate. Everywhere he looks there is something needing investigating. The best part, right now, are the licks of these majestic beasts from 20 to 77 pounds. He is ready for them. And so we watch and watch. Ella, the mini-schnauzer, sleeps near him, just in case. We understand. Then out of the blue comes Mr. Wiggles, touting his brand of play. Here I am he seems to say, boldly. With a gate barrier there and a folded ladder nearby, there seems to be nothing to deter this frolicking canine. Mr.Wiggles is the X-factor, but a nice one. The others are quiet, minding their own, hoping for watermelon, strawberries maybe blueberries and carrot sticks. Either will do. Food is food.

Mall Cop and Ella know trouble is not afoot, only Mr. Wiggles. He does not understand the boundaries of love and play. He only knows how to work a room, especially with young children in it. They are his love targets. And they love him back with their generous smiles and gentle strokes of hand.

Breakfast is being served, buffet style, of course. My first course is my grandson. Food is not needed, only love. Baby surveys the table and his family, nearby. As a mom of three little boys, decades ago, eating for me was always last on my list. Today is no different. I am full right now, filled with the joy of seeing this magnificent baby and his playmates, all four puppies, abounding here and there. It is quiet. There is no jealousy or anger afoot. The dogs are moving about while their baby, now on the floor, is moving with focused attention to the pictures on his blanket. So much to do while the animals roam around him. Ella lies nearby just in case help is needed. Mall Cop walks about checking on Mr. Wiggles just in case his unending presence arrives, too close for comfort. Mall Cop will simply watch. But out of the kitchen comes the relentless happy-go-lucky puppy, Mr. Wiggles, looking for his baby. His newly acquired 'ear of corn' arrives with him with that squishy noise it makes for the baby to enjoy.

The baby is used to dogs, their touch, licks, barks and beautiful presence. He is at the zoo watching them all perform in their own unique style. No matter who has the baby, a puppy is not far away, protecting him from who else? Mr. Wiggles, of course. Sally, the majestic, lies under the table waiting to be called. She's fine lying there in wait. Food can happen, there, too, as a hand reaches down to offer her a special brand of fruit.

The puppies know their role when baby is near. Bodyguards abound while gentle happy Mr. Wiggles performs. He will not stop. It is his duty, his mission in life, to entertain. He rules the stage. While baby smiles, he is momentarily distracted by Mr. Wiggles. This entertainer carries his 'ear of corn', the newest toy in his arsenal of carrying things, to show baby. His parents bought it for the dog who does not stop! Baby is in his 'office' standing around watching, then turning his head to the sound he hears. Do babies even do this at 7 months? It is a peaceful, loving visit, a time that shows that animals and young children belong together, a place where respectful learning is discovered and imprinted on everyone's brain. I'm one lucky baba.