A TODDLER DOODLE REUNION –

By Wednesday, August 11, 2021 10 No tags Permalink

Todays post “A Toddler Doodle Reunion” was inspired by a conversation I had last week with my son – 

Him: 

Momma, thanks for helping out with Jameson next week while we travel.

Me:

You don’t have to thank me J, we’re super excited to have him.

Him: 

Can I ask you a favor?

Me:

Absolutely!

Him:

Now that Jameson is older, his reaction to dogs has changed. He seems to be afraid of them. Can you help him get over his fear?

Well that threw me for a loop #astheoldfolkssay

April of this year was the last time the three of them were together…

At 14 months old, walking was his new “jam” and there was not one ounce of fear in him…

Where did this fearfulness come from 6 months later? 

AND –  if it’s truly there, how can I reverse this new learned phobia? Is there a way to remind him that these “Doods” are his friends?..

HERE’S MY PLAN – 

It took me a minute to remove horrible thoughts trampling through my head like – having to keep them separated when we’re all together. Or, my grandson clinging onto our bodies screaming and crying the entire time he’s with us.

Finally reality stopped by, and I started climbing out of that ridiculous rabbit hole I threw myself into.

I think my best plan is to treat next week like a virgin introduction. I mean, how much can he remember? He was only 14 months old last time he was here. 

I’m thinking we can spend some time outside the house when they arrive and then gradually work our way into the house. Whoever is holding him can talk to the dogs and do the introduction from a safe distance.

Once inside I think I will hold him in my lap and allow the Boys to approach one at a time and from there assess just how much “work” I’ve got ahead of me. #prayerfullynotmuch

Before this little young-in arrived, I spent quality time explaining to the Boys that we were adding a baby to the pack.

They caught on quickly, did all the right things during Jameson’s visits. I felt pretty proud of myself. #praisestoosoon

TAKING PUPPY STEPS – 

Jameson’s family is expanding – there’s another Grandson arriving this Fall. I anticipate Lee, the Boys and I visiting soon AND often to help out. 

The important step for me to remember is “patience.” I shall import more and add to my reserve tank so I can go as slow as required.

When all else fails, I plan to do as Jessie Jackson so eloquently penned years ago –

Keep Hope Alive

I mean, he’s 18 months old now, surely this little guy will be able to understand everything I tell him…

THE ADVICE CORNER IS NOW OPEN

If you’ve walked this path already, please tell me – how rocky was your road and what did you do to make it through?

Are there major steps I am forgetting?

As they say on those television talk shows – 

Please, spill the tea!

I’m not alone said the boy – I’ve got a puppy ❤️

Thanks for reading…

10 Comments
  • Madison
    August 12, 2021

    No experience with kids here. The boys are well mannered. I’m sure if you take is slow and one step at a time, the little guy will love them like crazy, big, living, stuffed animals. Bailie is good with kids petting her when we walk and I do fairly well, but Olivia is far too wild. That being said, boys, don’t be an Olivia, LOL. Enjoy!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 15, 2021

      Now I can’t believe Olivia is too wild – she’s always sitting so poised for her photos! I’ll keep you posted.

  • Cheryl
    August 12, 2021

    No help here, but I know you will succeed in helping Jameson over his fear of dogs. You are so in tune to Harley and Jaxson, and your grandson that they’ll be partying all night long!
    Congratulations on #2 grandson!
    Stay safe!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 15, 2021

      I’m thinking the same way you are Cheryl. IT may take a few minutes/hours to remember but I pray we are going to have a smooth adjustment period.

  • Tails Around the Ranch
    August 12, 2021

    As a pet therapy dog mum, you shouldn’t have a problem with the expanding pack. Think of the little ones like you would any patient or staff person who may be apprehensive around dogs. Slow and steady with lots of praise…on both sides of the leash seems to work best.
    P.S. Congrats on the new baby set to arrive in the near future. How exciting for the whole family.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 15, 2021

      I’m counting on their “inner therapy brain” to kick into high gear at home. Patients don’t usually run around a lot 🙂 but I believe in my heart things will be fine. I promise to follow up once they leave, How are you doing?

  • Jan K
    August 13, 2021

    Isn’t Jameson adorable!! I think if you take things slowly, it will all go well with your sweet dogs. Good luck and I trust you’ll fill us in later on how it went!

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 15, 2021

      Hey Girlfriend – Thanks! I promise to keep everyone posted on how the visit goes. Take care,

  • Caren
    August 13, 2021

    oh my your grandson is ADORABLE!!!!! We have a 3 yr old granddaughter and a one year old. Dakota was very good with the 3 yr old when my granddaughter was younger, but Dakota was already a senior. We introduced them with Dakota wearing his leash. My granddaughter lives with two small dogs and a cat though, so she isn’t afraid of dogs. We are not permitting Levi to be around either child because not only is Levi HUGE for an almost 11 month old Sheltie (he already outweighs Dakota’s weight)…..he is more of a reactive dog and extremely unpredictable. We will not allow Levi to be off of his leash around them. I think you have to go more by the dog’s personality believe it or not. Since your dogs are probably gentle, I don’t anticipate a problem winning your adorable grandson over.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 15, 2021

      Hey Caren – thank you! I am so excited about this “reunion”. My hubby believes that this will be fine, I know both Boys are super gentle and great around kids. I will definitely take photos and keep everyone in the loop. Thanks for mentioning Levi’s size – I was wondering if he was bigger than Dakota – he is super gorgeous. You do such a great job with his coat. Take care and thanks for stopping by 🙂