Many people have pets, but our 3 year old yellow lab Rusty is more than a dog, he's a part of the family. He knew that something was different even while I was pregnant. He's always been my shadow, but in the later months of the pregnancy, he was especially close to me. I think he knew things were about to change but did he know how much?!
From the day we brought Taylor home, he's been within a few feet of her pretty much all the time. He sits on the floor next to us while we read books. He sleeps on the floor in the nursery when we are changing her or rocking her. He is sitting on the floor under my chair as I type right now!
At first he was a little leery. He didn't want to get too close but would watch her from a safe distance.
Slowly he would get a little closer...
... and a little closer...
...until he was finally comfortable enough to snuggle up with her.
When she cries, he licks her feet or face.
Sometimes he'll look at us with a face that says, "Are you going to do something about this?"
Here he was trying to calm her down.
Such a sweet big brother.
He is constantly looking over her and making sure she's safe and happy.
I will admit, he feels left out sometimes. He doesn't get as much attention as he used to, and there are times when he's pretty adamant about being a part of the action.
He's also a little jealous of all the fun and comfortable new baby items.
You think he's trying to be cute and cuddly like baby Taylor?
Well it's working!
But he's not left out of everything. Floor time and tummy time is not the same without Big Brother Rust right there. Taylor loves to watch him and touch his soft fur. She's perfectly comfortable around him and doesn't flinch when he licks her face.
I can't think of a better big brother for our little girl. He protects her, loves her, and one day will eat all the food she throws on the floor. Rusty completes our family and life wouldn't be the same without him.
Thanks for your love, companionship, and loyalty, Mr. Rusty F. Bones!!
