A boy and his dog...

Before Henry was born, Sebastian was our one and only "baby" at home. We spoiled him rotten, and he ruled the house. He kept me company through nearly 4 months of bedrest. People told us things would change once Henry came, and although in my head I believed them my heart felt differently.

I worried a little...even then Sebastian was a bit of a crotchety old man. He grumbled, didn't like being disturbed, and wanted to do things on his own time. I wondered how he would respond to a newborn...that may not know not to disturb the dog.

Things did change. Sebastian no longer ruled the house...that became Henry's role! But as far as worrying about Sebastian's reaction to this "furless" puppy, I needn't have. Sebastian, crotchety old man-dog, sat patiently as Henry's not-fully-controlled hands "petted" him or yanked his fur. He would sit without even making a move. (Of course then if I tried to pet him, he'd start grumbling!) Sebastian would even jump up in my lap as I rocked Henry, always careful to land on my legs and not the baby.

Dogs are perceptive animals. Sebastian felt our protectiveness over Henry, and he took on the very serious big brother role. He knew that this strange creature was an important new member of his pack, and he let him in. So in honor of National Dog Day, here is our monster and his dog.