A Baby’s Coming: Advice for the Dog

When the humans decide to have a baby, the family dog’s world dramatically changes. Following is a translation of a letter that Tipsy, the cat who lives with the soon-to-be grandma, wrote to Emi, the 12-year-old dog who’s the best pal of the soon-to-be mom.

Dear Emi …

I hear there’s a new little one coming to your house. Before the arrival of “the blessed event,” I thought I’d give you some advice.

FOOD

Our first love is food. The good news: All food that falls on the floor is fair game. The bad news: You cannot take food from the baby’s hand even if it’s dangled in front of you. You will be banished.

TOYS

The baby has toys, you have toys. Do not take the baby’s toys. Do not bite them. Do not lick them. You will be banished.

LEASH

The baby is not leashed. You may think that’s wrong, since the baby gets into more things than you do. Life is not fair, and it won’t be until the baby leaves for college.

BEDS

The baby may sleep in your bed. The humans may think this is cute, and even take pictures. You, however, may not sleep in the baby’s crib. And if you try, well, you will be banished.

DIAPERS

Under no circumstances smell the baby’s diaper. While you may be curious about the pungent aroma that comes from the baby’s butt, trust me, the closer you get, the more horrible it gets. You will regret it.

LICKING

You may be allowed to lick the baby’s toes. That will make the baby squirm and giggle. But resist licking the baby’s face no matter how delicious it smells. The baby will reach out and pull your hair, and yes, you may be banished.

OOH and AAH

You will find the humans oohing and aahing over the baby and you will notice a precipitous drop in their vocabulary level. Don’t be alarmed. It’s temporary. Play along and you won’t be banished.

WALKS

The baby will ride in a carriage, and you, my friend, will have to walk on your four tired legs. No amount of whining or complaining will get you a ride. And if you persist, you will be left home next time (but probably not banished altogether). 

NAPS

Babies love to sleep. Unfortunately, they do most of it during the day, usually around the time you like to go for your daily constitutional. Do not complain even if your bladder is full. If you do, well, you know the drill by now.

THE REWARD

The first year is tough. But if you survive, you will find that the baby will grow into a friend, one who shares food with you, throws the ball for you, loves to cuddle with you and hug you, and loves you almost as much as Grandma and Grandpa do. Though I’ll never understand why.

Your frenemy,
Tipsy