Roxy's Co-habitation Skills

Since coming home from the hospital last Wednesday afternoon, Roxy has undergone an evolution of sorts. We had prepared for this day by purchasing a new doggie toy to help distract her from the complete life change that was headed her way. We also had Michael's parents bring home a receiving blanket from the hospital so Roxy could get to know the baby's scent. I think both of these tactics helped a little, but I'm sure this was still a rude awakening for her.

When we arrived at home, I stayed in the car with the baby while Michael brought Roxy out to the garage to check things out. She was so excited to see her parents that she barely noticed the small swaddled baby. I think she was a little confused as to where we had been the last few days even though the house was full of grandparents.

The first day she spent trying to figure out what the baby was and we tried extra hard for one of us to hold Roxy while the other held the baby. She did growl and bark a few times when the baby cried and we had to crate her for a bit, hoping that this would pass.

Luckily it did pass and she's warmed up to Grayson a little more each day. She'll curl up next to me and Grayson while he's breast feeding or sit in the rocking chair with Michael while he's holding the baby. She's also been very interested in licking the baby now instead of barking at him, so we're having to watch her closely to make sure she doesn't get within tongue's reach.

Only time will tell if she continues to cope well, but after these first few days I'm hopeful we can all live as one happy family.