Canine Loyalties

We've had our dog, Koda, for several years. We got him when he was just a tiny 8 week old puppy and could fit in the palm of your hand. During his puppy stage, we spent hours training him the basic commands, teaching him to hold "it" until he was outside, nurturing him, nursing him after his allergic reaction to his puppy shots, etc. In short, he was our baby, and we did everything we could to ensure his happiness and health.

As he grew up, we bought him the best (ie: expensive) dog food, as recommended by the vet. We made sure he had his yearly vet visits and shots. We spent a fortune on chew toys and bones, in an effort to save our furniture and shoes.

Somehow, as he grew up, he became a mommy's boy. He became completely loyal to me. He followed me around the house, always laid at my feet while I was working at the computer, always wanted to sit beside me on the couch. I figured that kind of loyalty would last a lifetime.

I was wrong.

As soon as our daughter came home from the hospital, Koda immediately took a shine to her. He alerts us to her cries (not that we can't hear her ourselves!), he lays across her nursery door, he licks her feet while we are feeding her. He has now become HER dog. He is fiercely protective of her. If she cries, he is right there, upset and wanting to comfort her. If she gurgles, he wants to sniff her from head to toe, to assure himself she is alright. If she sneezes, he curls up on the floor beside the chair and only gets up when we go to put her back in her crib.

I may have gained a daughter, but in the process I lost a dog, and I don't know how or why it happened.

There is a bright side to it all, though. He will be a 24/7 guardian for her. I know I will never have to worry about her because he will be right there with her, protecting her. They will become best friends.

As a Mom, the most rewarding part of it all for me will be the fact that my daughter will come to know unconditional love. She will know the joy that comes from loving an animal, and having that love returned ten-fold. She will be taught the value of being kind to all living things. And she will be blessed with constant companionship.

It doesn't get any better than that!