Sunday, October 15, 2006

Nanny Dog on Duty















Ruger adores our new baby and has fussed himself crazy since Grandgirls Mom first brought her over. He sleeps by her basinet if she's in it, hovers by her baby seat if she's in it. Paces and races between grown people if she's making ANY sound at all. On this day, she was having a little tummy time with her Mom and Bren was not liking it, which made the dog insane with worry. He didn't calm down until Bren's Mom let him hop up and check her out real good. He's very gentle with her, I suspect they'll be best friends when she starts to toddle around.

Rug's behavior with the baby is interesting to me. We know he became ours because his original family had a baby after they had him, they didn't elaborate more than that. He has pretty much ignored the older grandgirls, once in awhile he'll bring some toy to Jazz for a game of fetch, but he even does that lethargically. But he loves, adores and worships this little baby. He pays her the attention we devote to a cherished object we've lost and later found.

19 comments:

Jackie's Garden said...

Kat, I can see why Ruger's behavior would interest you. It interests me and he isn't my dog!I'd like to know the rest of the story!
If he's trying to alert adults now, when the baby with the beautiful hair needs something - he'll probably always be her companion and protector. Wouldn't that be sweet to see? Wish I could get a little peek into the future and see how they relate. You'll get to have fun watching!

Hayden said...

this is lovely. For those of us who let ourselves watch non-judgementally, it's fascinating to learn about the relationships that develop between humans and dogs. or cats or whatever. inter-species friendships fascinate me. It looks like this baby has an important new friend.

the not so "new" mom on the blog said...

Aw that is so precious!

Melli said...

That is sooooo sweet! What a great babysitter! He's not lettin' ANYTHING happen to HIS baby!

Kat Campbell said...

Jackie - I am looking forward to seeing them grow up together. It's just so touching to see how much he worries.

Hayden - I know there will be someone who sees this picture and is aghast that we let the dog that close, but he has not exhibited any sign of fear or agression toward this baby in the 4 weeks she's been on earth and her mother was sitting right there and watching closely. That he loves her already is so obvious.

Kat Campbell said...

Nice to see you New Mom on the Blog!

He's definately better than any old sheep dog Melli, he just adores this little girl.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely story Kat, obviously love at first sight. Wish I could look into the future too, has all the makings of a wonderful friendship .

janjan0000 said...

That is SO flippin' cute!!!

Sunflower Optimism said...

What a sweetie Ruger is!

They'll be like Timmy and Lassie :-) (or like my son and Tasha, LOL)

Kat Campbell said...

Sandy, J and Sunflower - I'll keep you updated! It is just too sticken cute. They've gone home, and he's moping and pouting by the bassinet.

FRIDAY'S CHILD said...

That's fabulous. It is very rare for dogs to have that kind of sense. He is smart too.
Thanks for dropping by.

Dave said...

Nice story Kat. Its always good to see kids getting on with animals.

Catch said...

This is so precious Kat!

Linda said...

Very sweet! When my daughter was born we had a German Shephard named Siegfried, he loved my daughter so much. He would lay outside of her bedroom door and if she cried, he was right there to investigate. He had horrible cancer and died only four months after she was born. I wish that he would have been around a bit longer for her. He was so sweet.

Our current dog (Great Dane, St. Bernard mix) loves her too and is very patient with her. We have new baby on the way, I am anxiously waiting to see how he will like the new baby.

They say now that pets build up kids ammunity and also their confidence. I am glad to see your dog taking an interest in your grandbaby, it will be good for her!

Arthur said...

How adorable and intelligent creature Ruger is! Nice blog! Hope you visit and place comments on my blog entries in return. :)

Linda@VS said...

I never thought about a furry guardian angel, but it seems as if Ruger has decided to be one. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to read his mind.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

Such a lovely post, Kat. Maybe he misses the baby from his first family, maybe he just loves babies.

A cat used to hug my baby sister and the two used to sleep.

Kat Campbell said...

Thanks for coming by everyone! I love this dog to death and he is one special guy.

Anonymous said...

Ahhh, love these pics