Dog lovers around the world know there's a powerful emotional connection between people and their pets, but none possibly more beautiful than between babies and dogs. An amazing demonstration of this is
seen in a YouTube video a WebVet fan forwarded to me. If you haven't already done so, you might want to check it out at
http://www.rescueminpins.com/2/jjc.htm
I often wonder how dogs know they have to be more gentle and loving towards babies. Could it be that they sense the fact there's a yet untainted innocence thatcan't threaten or harm them in any way? Or is it more an innate understanding that babies need protecting and they take on this role. I saw this first hand when my best friend had a baby a few years back. Lauren was actually born nine weeks premature and therefore needed extra care and protection. My dog Max knew this immediately upon meeting her. She would lay on the floor in my apartment and Max would snuggle up as close as possible to her. When she finally began walking he tracked her as closely as a secret service agent. Today, he still runs to her side if he senses she's upset or hears her cry. On occasion Max walks to school with Lauren and while a couple years ago she introduced him as her dog, today she introduces him as her big brother. Why? Because he has always been there to nurture and protect her. The bond is undeniable and beautiful.
Many soon-to-be moms often fear their dogs will potentially threaten or harm their new baby. While you do need to be cautious, there are many things you can do to prepare your pet for a new baby in the house. The truth is that in most cases your dog will indeed become your babies knight in shining armor and grow to be as protective of your child as any big brother or sister should be.
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