Sunday, October 18, 2009

Things we struggle with, part 1


Getting along with dogs.

We have pets. Lots of pets. Three Boston terriers and two cats, to be exact. Currently, that's "all." I've been wheedling for a goat, horse or miniature donkey for awhile, but I don't think it's happening anytime soon. But I digress.

In the above photo, Candace is with Bridget, her preferred dog.

Both of the twins have had trouble adjusting to the pets, particularly the dogs, and particularly Candace. Sarah actually seems to be okay with having a dog sit with her on the couch now, but Candace still acts like they are carriers of the dreaded cooties. She especially has trouble getting along in a friendly fashion with Bruno, our mature dog who has an unquenchable interest in the game of fetch. Candace has been known to throw his toys away or outside in order to get him to stop bringing them to her. Today I found one in the toilet. This was all kind of funny except that she was starting to be physically aggressive with Bruno, and we were afraid that either she would hurt him or he would bite her. She didn't understand that dogs can't speak or understand human language. We have been encouraging her to try to be nice to them several times a day.

Here she wanted me to take her picture with Bruno... he doesn't really trust her yet and was beating a hasty retreat... but progress is being made.



7 comments:

Kristen said...

I will pray about this for your family... it has to be a struggle. Your pets are your babies too!!!

How are you doing? Praying for strength too!
Hugs,
K

Emily said...

Hahaha, unquenchable interest is a good way to put it. And that's funny about the toy in the toilet.

Jennifer said...

I know how you feel. I love my dogs. Maybe if you put her "in charge" of his care in some way? Putting out his food and water maybe?
I hope you are over your flu!

Gina said...

I love these pictures of the girls with the dogs. I often wonder what my dog will be like when Yoeph gets here. I hope we can all get along. :) Thanks for your note of encouragement. I am just ready to get the court date already. Crazy waiting time. Have a great week!

Lori S said...

Oh my goodness!! My girls were petrified of our animals, too...especially the dogs! Diborah can stand them being around now but skitters away when they get close! Crazy!
Oh yeah...my oldest son got a boston terrier about 3 months ago. We love him! Except for the fact that he prefers to do his duties inside!! Or on the concrete, but never on the grass!
Anyway, it was good to catch up with you and your twins! I hope to seek support in the blog world more often!

Jen Stutzman said...

We have two dogs and our kids love them but we are constantly teaching them the right way to play with them. Thank you so much for telling me what Candace said about Adanech, that just melted my heart.

Xander and Alana (but mostly Alana) said...

That is a great photo. The dog clearly looks suspicious of the olive branch, like he knows it's just a fake or something. It seems most people with new children have pet issues for awhile, so I don't think you are completely alone. Good luck!