[liv]

Hey guys. I feel like I need to say something about the dog topic...I had a toy poodle and a border collie when my son was born. Both dogs looked at me with love when we brought him home. I was so relieved. My toy poodle would find his pacifiers and other knick knacks and bring them to me. I thought it was so sweet (and it was). When my son began to be mobile he would get on a little scooter and go all around the house. He would darn near run my toy poodle over and my poodle would nip at him (my son thought it was funny). Just keep in mind, dogs throw all logic out the window over two major things...1) FOOD and 2) PAIN. Kids are messy, food dropping (and sharing) creatures-dogs begin to rely on the food source and they see the child on their level (these dogs were our kids before all of this!). Long story short, my son has been bit twice and that is not out of neglect on our part. My poodle who was my 15 year companion is now with the Lord and the other dog is kept outside and completely seperate from our child. It will never be the same until our son (and new baby) are grown up and they can be talked to about the relationship between people and dogs.

Please talk to your vets about this topic. Don't ever get complacent about leaving pets alone with your children. Don't let your children climb on your pets. I could go on forever. Just talk to your vets. I know I sound harsh and I know what I am saying is heart breaking, but it is much better to start off safe and stay safe.

liv