Learning To Share

Maybe it's something "dog people" think about, but one of the most popular questions we get is how Wrigley & Brooke get along. There is often concern that a new baby will create jealousy among family pets. We haven't really had this issue ... Wrigley seems to care less about Brooke. Perhaps its because of her age (she is 5)? She seems a little less dependent on our attention and more prone to hanging out by herself, so she really doesnt seem to notice the fact that our attention may have diverted from her to the new baby. Occasionally she will think we are talking to her when we are talking to Brooke, or come running when we play with Brooke. This seems to be more of a miscommunication issue than a jealousy issue.

The first issue we noticed was with the playgym. It's not about the baby - but the baby toys. Wrigley has has some toy envy over a couple of other things. Baby toys make some pretty sweet noises and they perk her ears up right away. She has tried to swipe a thing or two, but we simply tell her "no" and she gives up. But not the playgym! She stalks that thing! When we put it out, she is the first one on. When Brooke is on it, Wrigley is too. When Brooke is done playing, Wrigley scoots in. I have a small feeling that this is a sign of things to come ... right now Brooke only owns about 3 toys. What happens when the amount of toys increases, her awareness of "her" toys increases, and Wrigley's desire continues? Guess we will jump that hurdle when we get to it.

For now, Wrigley gets to play with Brooke's things as long as she isnt endangering the baby. It's important to teach your kids (even the furry kind) the importance of sharing ;)