So a couple of years ago I waxed nostalgic about how much I would look back with fondness at the ways in which having a dog would enrich my kid’s memories of their childhood.  I grew up with pets, but they never really felt totally a part of the family.  Maybe it was because they didn’t mind, weren’t the least bit trained or generally embarrassed the living tar out of me whenever we took them to the vet – or worse – when they bolted out of the house and I had to run after them screaming like a banshee!  I did say enrich, right?

Five years ago we became proud puppy parents for the first time.  He’s very much my husband’s dog, and over the years he’s become even that even more so as my patience with his antics grows thin.  I suppose spending much of 2007 and 2008 home with him on maternity leave didn’t help in the way of bonding.  Instead, I was busy keeping him away from the babies, bottles, and burp chunks he licked off the floor – gross, right?

There’s far too many stories I could share about the ever-widening gap between my early affection and more recent annoyance with our four-legged friend.   I suppose we’ll continue to make our peace and perhaps someday we’ll come back around to enjoying one another’s company.  Until then, my Best Shot this week shows how I’ll adjust to life with what looks like two canine companions!