First things first, thank you so much for your wonderful comments and well wishes over the course of the past week. Ever since Chase decided to make his debut, I’ve felt such an outpouring of support and love from you guys and want you to know how much I appreciate your sweet words and congratulations. I am really looking forward to sharing this new part of our lives with all of you!
As I was reading and responding to your comments on Chase’s birth story this week, I noticed a bit of a pattern in some of your questions. Apparently Sadie is at the top of your minds and I wanted to type up a quick blog post to keep you guys in the loop and let you know how our favorite little lady is handling the newest addition to our family.
Let’s back up to their first meeting…
Ryan and I spent two nights in the hospital last week before leaving with Chase on Friday afternoon. My first thought when we arrived home? Sadie is GIANT!!! Holding a tiny newborn for 48+ hours somehow made our 38-pound pup look like Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Before Sadie met Chase for the first time, we had her sniff his receiving blanket to familiarize herself with his smell.
Sadie and Chase had their first meeting in our family room and I’m pretty sure Sadie was more hung up on the terrifying car seat that Chase was resting in than our baby. Ryan guarded Chase as Sadie approached him, unsure what to make of our new little baby.
Her initial reaction? Total indifference. It was quite the anticlimactic meeting!
Over the course of the past week, Sadie has spent most of her days watching Chase from afar.
She’ll come sniff him when I’m holding him in my arms and will now curl up beside me as I nurse him. (Progress!) She’s getting braver around Chase every day and more and more curious.
I cannot help but feel bad for Sadie because Chase is getting so much of my attention and cuddles, but part of me also feels like I’m probably projecting emotions onto her. I am trying my best to give her love and attention and whenever others are holding our baby, Sadie climbs onto my lap and I shower her with all the love I can until I’m back on baby duty.
Sadie is still getting a lot of attention and exercise (thanks, in large part, to Ryan and my mom) but I’m pretty positive she senses a dramatic change in her environment. Last night she had all of us laughing when she proceeded to take a bunch of toys out of her toy bin to try to coerce Ryan into playtime when he was cuddling with Chase.
Ryan and Chase…
Sadie and all the toys…
Sadie has been our main focus for seven and a half years and when I think about how much her world has changed over the course of the past week, I must give her a lot of credit. She and Chase are by no means BFFs (yet?) and Sadie is still apprehensive about her little brother right now, but I have noticed progress in her every day as she comes a little closer to our baby, sniffs him a little longer and watches over him with cautious curiosity.
I’m crossing my fingers and hoping Sadie will continue to adjust to life with Chase. In the meantime, we’re doing our best to show her that she’s still our favorite furry lady!
Question of the Afternoon
- I’d love to hear any words of wisdom from you guys if you’ve been through the baby + dog thing before. Please feel free to share your experiences below!
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Awww, you are a great pet mom! Sadie and Chase will be fast friends. Just give it time and keep giving her the love and attention that you can. Soon the two will be instant pals!
I’m so glad Sadie seems to be adjusting! This is something Justin and I have discussed quite a bit, especially as Stella is going to continue being an active puppy for quite some time!
That is one beautiful little boy! You are really solidifying my desire for baby #2 with these pics! My son is 18 months old and so much fun- enjoy it all Julie! xoxo
Congratulations Julie on your little baby boy! I’m excited to read more about Sadie and Chase. That is one of my biggest concern now that I’m pregnant. We give our dog so much attention and love and hope that continues when our baby arrives. I try to tell him there’s a baby in my belly but he just looks at me all confused. haha
I hope you’re feeling much better! I am looking forward to all your future posts about your growing family!
The crazy dog lady in my gets emotional just thinking about the day when my dogs and my future children will meet for the first time and having to share my time between both of them. I don’t have any experience in this dept, but I can only imagine how hard it’s going to be… especially for someone that’s obsessed with their dog.
Aww! Shes like, “mommy, the new baby is here…but- but, he looks nothing like ME!”. LOL
She is so sweet, and will soon act as a momma to him and be protective, im sure. Such sweet times. I know the momma in you feels torn but all will come together. She will be fine and adjust to her little brother xoxo
“he looks nothing like me” made me LOL! haha!
Awww! Sadie is doing great! My golden retriever Rox was always careful of the babies, my oldest daughter and the twins. She was never BFF’s with them but everyday during nap time she would sleep in the hall outside their room. She would also put herself between my daughter and any new person/stranger to protect them. Sadie will be a great big sister to Chase!! He is so adorable! I am very happy for you, Ryan, Chase and Sadie, this is so exciting! I have been a long time reader and love your blog!
First off, congrats on your sweet new bundle! That pic of Chase and Ryan is PRICELESS!! I too felt bad (for our cat) when we brought our first daughter home, but they adjust and everything will eventually be normal again, haha!
I’ve been following and enjoying your blog for several years now. You feel like family to me, and, while I rarely comment, I want to congratulate you and Ryan! Best wishes to both of you and Chase’s grandparents as you begin this amazing journey together. May you all continue to be blessed with good health and happiness as your understanding of family deepens.
Thank you so much, Maria! This was such a nice comment. <3 I really appreciate it!
Our Golden acted the same way Sadie did. Now our baby girl is 4. 5 months old and our dog is liking the baby more and more. Our baby LOVES watching the dog eat treats and play fetch, she is mesmerized. In turn, the dog is getting more and more attention, since it’s now easier to give them BOTH attention at the same time. Dog gets treats to bribe the baby to lift her head up during tummy time, it’s a win-win! Just a little tip for a few months down the road 🙂
I love those photos of Chase with Ryan and Chase with your dad!! Gahhhhh what is it about men with babies?! It makes my heart swoon.
We don’t have a dog, but from what I’ve heard from others, it sounds like the dog eventually loves & protects the kid/baby, so I’m sure Sadie will warm up to him in no time!
A friend of mine just had her second child a couple of months ago. They adopted their dog when their first child was 4 so they were a little nervous to see what he would with a newborn. Turns out he became the care giver. He would watch her from far away but the minute she cries he runs to mom or dad and nudges them until they go to her. Funny thing is that’s the only thing he would do for the first month and then slowly started going near her more and more and now he can’t stay away from her.
How slow did yall drive on the way back home from the hospital? Haha ever since I watched Knocked Up, I image I’d do the same thing (and most new parents would too). He’s so handsome!
Sadie’s doing great! And you’re doing a good job of keeping it in perspective… Chase is brand new to her world, so it’s going to take a little time to develop a bond between them. My 4 year old son and 5 year old beagle are best buddies now. They cuddle on the couch, play outside together, and sneak snacks out of the pantry together. 😉
And also, Chase is just absolutely adorable! Love all that blonde hair! <3 The picture of your Dad holing him is so sweet… I bet he's a proud Grandpa!
We have a cat who was the king of the castle before my baby Chase was born last year. He ignored him when he was very tiny but as he aged and began to crawl and grab at things, the cat before more intrigued and now they are friends (I think)!
Has your sister gotten to meet Chase yet?
How sweet is that picture of Ryan, Sadie, and Chase?! I’ve been wondering about your furbaby as well.
It seems like Sadie’s doing well! No babies for me, yet, but my parents run a home daycare and I’ve seen some hilarious reactions from their dog (who I happened to name Chase – great choice ;)) when new babies come into town. In all honesty, babies and dogs might take a while to adjust to one another but I think they are just the perfect combo! Sadie will likely come to think of Chase as her baby and love him just as much as she loves you and Ryan. And for Chase – how lucky to grow up with such a sweet, protective, goofball furry sister!
Keep lovin on both of your beautiful babies. 🙂
I love it!!! I can’t even wait for 4pm anymore when the email of new posts comes in – I just check the blog every hour or two for Chase/Sadie updates.
We also have a Velcro dog (a friend sent me your blog after we adopted her 2 years ago) and now we have a 9 week old little girl. Our dog has been so loving and cuddles on the couch with us and will lick the baby’s toes or top of her head any chance she gets. If the baby cries she comes running to “help”. You all are doing all the right things with Sadie – she will come around more as time goes on and no doubt will become Chase’s best friend and protector.
Those pictures are just so precious! I cannot wait to hear more about Chase and how you are adapting to motherhood. I’m so, so scared to begin that journey but I know it’ll be so worthwhile!
My sister has a yellow lab and she was definitely not interested in my nephew the first couple months. Once the solids foods start they will become BEST friends! 🙂 So happy for you guys! We have a golden retriever and we’re due in January, so I’m hoping our dog will handle the transition well! 🙂
Aw, you are doing all the right things. She will adjust and be just fine! I volunteer in dog rescue and have helped many adoptive families work through this — just keep things low key, don’t stress, and I predict that Sadie will quickly consider the little guy just a happy extension of her family. You’re doing just fine!
Congrats! I have a 10 month old baby boy and a 2 year old goldendoodle. Our doodle was like Sadie at the beginning, curious but not overly interested and definitely not aggressive. She found out that licking his face was the best thing ever, probably because he tasted like milk! And this is gross, but if I didn’t wipe it up immediately, she was all over him if he spit up. Now that he is bigger, he giggles like crazy when she sniffs/licks him. And she is soooo patient and tolerant of him when he pulls her fur, ears, tail, and crawls all over her. It has been a joy to watch their relationship grow. I am sure Sadie and Chase will be bffs in no time!
I commented on Fbook last night but all I can say is keep on keeping on! I did my best to give my doodle so much love whenever I had the chance…it took about a month but she really warmed up to our baby girl. She has a naturally sweet disposition so I was never too worried but it makes me so happy to see her really love on our baby with kisses to her toes and laying next to her during play time. I think getting Sadie lots of exercise will be key as I know viszlas can be a little crazy. Another thing we did was never kick our pup out of our bed. She slept with us before baby and we definitely still allow her to. Even if I bring the baby into bed to nurse I’ll let Pippa cuddle up right next to us.
As someone who has been in the same boat (I had 2 big dogs at the time). Make sure Sadie still feels a part of everything. Invite her to come along for bathtime. Diaper time tell Sadie in an excited voice – lets go change Chase’s daiper. Etc. If you make them feel like they are helping and still an important part of your pack they are more likely to bond. My dogs lived for my child. Good luck and congrats!!!
Adorable! I’m sure she’ll continue to warm up to him. She’s just got to get used to him. Loving the updates.
Pretty soon, Sadie will be bringing Chase the toys to play 🙂 I’m sure she’ll love him to pieces soon!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzdBnoP7tJI
Aww congrats!! That picture of Ryan and Chase is a tear jerker! Sadie is doing so good, and it definitely takes time. My lab took a little bit to show a lot of interest in the baby, and now they are best buddies. I am just so excited for all of you! How are you feeling?? I had some tearing and some pretty bad hemorrhoids after I gave birth, and it took me a good 8 weeks to finally feel like my “normal” (or new normal) self LOL So I love hearing stories where women just bounced right back after delivery 🙂
We had our golden retriever for quite a few years than along came our two kids. Our golden (our kids are now 9 & 10) was always our dog . He sadly passed last year at 12 but he was always my husband and my dog. He liked the kids don’t get me wrong but we were his favorite so we always made sure he got time with us and tried to not change his routine
Fast forward to this year we got another one (after we mourned for many months over his loss) and this golden is all about the kids !!
It is hard for the Vizsla Velcro dogs! hahahaha. It took Jasper a little bit to warm up to Brooke. He tolerated her just fine and was always sweet, but now that she is 2 they are total BEST FRIENDS! That whole ball throwing thing really is a game changer! They adore each other and he is super patient with her.
Congrats! He is precious! I cant believe how teeny he looks in the car seat! Brooke was 8 pounds, 7 ounces when she was born….never quite looked very tiny 😉
Congratulations on your little man! Seeing the picture of you holding him the first time made me tear up as it brought me back to that moment with my son. So precious.
Our dogs have acclimated to our little boy beautifully. At first they were standoffish and skeptical but have grown to love him. They run into his room every morning when they hear him wake up and greet him joyously. I had a little cry session last week – our Portuguese Water Dog/Lab (Gunner fur-baby of 7 years) was laying on the floor, being lazy, and our son walked over and laid on top of him. Gunner licked his face and went right back to napping. The elation I felt at this little bit of harmony brought me to tears. Just give little Miss Sadie time. Once she realizes she has a new toy throwing machine she will be in puppy heaven.
First of all, adorable photos!! Chase is just so stinkin’ cute! We have two labs with very different personalities, and it both took them some time to figure things out and adjust when Hunter came home from the hospital. We continued to do our best to shower them with love as much as possible, but we also wanted them to recognize that they weren’t our entire world anymore like they once were. As Hunter has gotten older, it’s become easier because our dogs just LOVE the attention he gives them. They are all best buds now! Just give it time, and I’m sure Sadie and Chase will be BFFs before you know it. 😉
Many congratulations to you, Ryan, Sadie and both of your families! How very exciting it must be to have a new little one. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my first niece or nephew. My sister is due on August 13th with a baby boy and I could not be more antsy! You have been a favorite blogger of mine & my sister’s for many years. In fact, I called her so fast when I saw your facebook post of Chase’s birth I couldn’t even tell her his name when she asked! Looking forward to following along on your journey!!
She seems to be adjusting very well! All your pictures are so sweet 🙂
Chase is so adorable!!
As an owner of two very spoiled Golden Doodles (who exhibit many of the same personality traits as Sadie and get tons of love and attention currently) and a new baby boy on the way in just over a month – how my dogs will adjust is my husband and I’s biggest fear. I truly enjoy reading your posts and blog and look forward to seeing how Sadie progresses. I’m sure everything will be fine, and they will be the best of friends in no time (especially when Chase figures out he can drop food for the dog!). I’m hoping the same for our little boy and golden doodles!
Congrats on Chase – he is so adorable! Our dog was totally fine (if not a bit apprehensive at the beginning) with our son – which is honestly what I expected of our seemingly sweet loving dog. That is, until the kiddo was mobile and was able to tug or pull or grab. We had a few close calls with some growling and snapping. I spent many weeks stressing about the whole thing but my husband & I are “dog” people and were determined to make it work. Our strategy for the most part was to keep them apart until our son could learn how to be gentle. The dog also mellowed out a bit (especially when he realized the kiddo could be a food source – the high chair was the great fence mender!). Our son is now 3.5 and our dog has completely abandoned us in favor of him. Pup sleeps in his bed 5 out of 7 nights these days. My main point is this – It might get worse before it gets better but don’t panic, I really think they figure it out. I am still a bit nervous with our dog around other kids – especially ones I don’t know- so I’m careful to have him on short leashes at parks, but I don’t worry about him with our kid. We have a second baby on the way and I’m sure we’ll have to start all over again but I feel a little more prepared to deal with it this time.
I’m pregnant right now so no advice yet. We are worried about our dog feeling left out though. We’re going to ask that whenever someone comes over to visit the baby, that they stop and play with Margaret first for a few minutes (when she’s the most excited about a visitor) so she still feels import and loved before they start fussing over the baby.
I am sure that once Chase grows and becomes mobile that he and Sadie will be best friends. Nothing beats the bond of a boy and his dog. My mom always says the our family dog was my best baby sitter when I was an infant. The bond continued to grow until he was more my dog than anyone else’s. I have the same faith in Sadie. She’ll be great!
Bawwww bless her heart! She will come around 🙂 That’s a BIG change for her! I think once Chase gets more and more alert and active, she will love watching him and I bet it’s not long before she starts bring Chase her toys 🙂
I personally have zero experience here, but a dog obsessed friend of mine just had her second child and we’ve discussed this.
It took a lot of getting used to and effort on her part to still give the dog lots of attention.
She summed it up by saying “the baby is my child, but the dog is my best friend”. Awwww!
Our sweet golden retriever Maggie was so much like Sadie when we brought home our son! Whoever was holding the baby, she would run up with toys as if to say, “pick me! Pick me!”. In a very short matter of days, she would join me in the nursery for every feeding, even in the middle of the night. Anytime the baby would cry, she would trot down the hall and nose the door open. So sweet! She did this with both our first 2 children, but our old girl sadly passed away before our new baby was born.
Thanks for sharing this! I was very curious how this would go. I’m sure they’ll be best buds in no time!
OMG that picture of Chase and Ryan!! I died. So precious!! <3. My dog was 11 years old by the time we brought home a baby and he basically didn't care as long as we fed him and took him outside and gave him a spot on the couch lol. As for miss Sadie, you're doing everything right! Good job!! They'll be besties before you know it 🙂
We had our fur baby (Bubby) for 4 years before Bryce arrived. Bubby reacted the same way Sadie has…cautious at first but warming up. Bryce is now 9 months old and he is just tickled pink by Bubby! Bubby plays with Bryce sometimes but other times he just wants to do his own thing. I think you’re doing great with Sadie, just keep doing what you’re doing.
I would and still do give cuddles to our fur baby when Bryce goes to sleep for the night or whenever someone is visiting and paying attention to Bryce. And now we do family walks togethers which both Bryce and Bubby love!
p.s. Chase is adorable, I am so happy for you guys!
I did the same thing before my little guy arrived with our dog. I had her sniff everything look at the car seat etc. When Cody came home our dog Lynde had the same type of reaction total indifference. The dog freaked out more with the breast pump. Fast forward 6yrs later they are best buddies and sleep in the same room sometimes. It’ll be a process but showing Sadie love will help her adjust easier just in my experience. Congrats!!
Oh my gosh, dying over the picture of Ryan and Chase (SO sweet!) and of Sadie with her chin resting on the chair looking very contemplative about the whole thing! Great pictures. Thanks so much for sharing. We don’t have any pets so I can’t offer any advice there, but it certainly sounds like you guys are doing a great job with Sadie. I’m sure it’ll just take some time! It was fun to hear how things are going with that. Congratulations again and I think Chase could not be any cuter! Just darling.
I have been reading your blog since 2009 when I first found your recipe for rutabaga fries. Despite this, I rarely comment. I have to say, this post really warmed my heart. Sadie and Chase have such compassionate and thoughtful parents. Congratulations!
Oh my gosh, cuteness overload! <3 This is legitimately one of my biggest fears with Roadie. I have no idea how he will react to a child, much less a newborn. I'd love to continue reading about the progress Sadie is making. So cute!
Glad Sadie’s adjusting well! When we first brought our son. our dog was definitely apprehensive, but now they are best buds! Our dog Cooper was NEVER a barker, until the first day when I was home alone with the baby. He barked at everyone that passed the house, protecting his baby brother
Okay, Sadie and Dixie are seriously twins separated at birth!!! She did the exact same thing when meeting my nephew for the first time…. She was terrified of the stroller, then sniffed him and walked away like it was nothing. Now she just likes to lick food off of his face!!
Whenever we are watching TV or not giving her enough attention she dumps her toy bin over and scatters her bones all over the room until someone plays with her. I can only imagine how jealous she will be when Thomas and I have kids! Chase is so beautiful and I feel so much happiness for you and your little family!!!