Baby's Best Friend

Since the day we brought Daniel home from the hospital, I have desperately wanted him and Ollie to get along. Ollie was our first baby. We brought him into our lives shortly after our wedding, and spoiled him rotten from day one. He has been a loving companion to both me and Peter, but we have always secretly hoped that he would ultimately be our children's dog. Ollie has proven himself worthy of such a task, treating Daniel with a combination of curiosity and protectiveness and earning Daniel's adoration in return.


When Daniel was just an infant, spending most of his day snoozing in his vibrating seat, Ollie would hover around him like a lioness and her cub. He would find a cozy spot nearby and plop himself down to nap with his new "brother." Back then, Daniel and Ollie were about the same size. Not really knowing what to make of one another, they were civil nonetheless.

Now that Daniel has surpassed Ollie in both height and weight, the relationship has shifted. Daniel has begun to assert his control over Ollie, chasing him around and giggling with delight. We've tried to teach Daniel how to "make nice" and pet Ollie gently, rather than smack him in the head (which he did in the beginning and which Ollie took like a man). Ollie still follows Daniel around, and even participates alongside him in some of Daniel's activities.


Though Ollie still sleeps in bed with me and Peter, I envision a day when that, too, will change. As Ollie gets older, he will undoubtedly seek the companionship of this little boy whose boundless energy makes him feel like a puppy again. Daniel will come home from school and envelop Ollie in a massive bear hug. When he is sad, Ollie will comfort him (like he has for me so many times). He will find a best friend in this sweet, furry dog. Ollie will have a best friend for life.