People often mention that second children receive less attention than their older siblings, but in my household, it seems our first child has taken a backseat since the arrival of our second. Our fluffy, 30-pound Sheltie mix, Sam, joined our family five years ago and was treated like royalty. We indulged her with premium treats, organic snacks, and even chewable toothbrushes. Sam enjoyed frequent trips to the dog park, doggy playdates, and yes, even the occasional doggie Easter egg hunt. (I know, it sounds a bit ridiculous.)
She was the center of our universe, sharing our bed, lounging on the couch, and soaking up belly rubs. But everything changed when our wonderful 10-pound baby boy entered the picture. Suddenly, our once-spoiled pup found herself dethroned. The frequency of treats dwindled, trips to the park became sporadic, and those cherished belly rubs became a rare commodity. Our dear dog transitioned from being the focal point of our lives to the sidelines. Please know, Sam, that our love for you hasn’t diminished; you will always be our first baby.
I feel a deep sense of guilt for the attention you’ve missed out on, and while I wish I could make it up to you, I realize an apology is a good start. Here are a few sentiments I wish to convey to you after your little brother’s arrival:
- First and foremost, I’m truly sorry. You probably didn’t see this coming and assumed you’d always be the center of our world. Perhaps I should have introduced you to Lady and the Tramp as a gentle warning. This change is a part of family life, but please understand, you will always be our first child—even if we can’t splurge on those boutique dog bones anymore.
- I know that in the past two and a half years, you’ve faced neglect. Your ball tosses and neighborhood walks have become less frequent, and the number of toys you receive has dwindled. I feel awful about the time we forgot to let you outside for 12 hours, leading to a bladder infection. I was utterly sleep-deprived, trying to remember everything with a newborn. While I don’t want to make excuses, I genuinely apologize for that oversight.
- I want to express my gratitude for your incredible patience with your brother. Navigating the chaos of a toddler’s energy takes immense tolerance, and you’ve proven to be a remarkably adaptable pup. Despite the occasional hair-pulling and poking, you manage to stay calm. You seem to instinctively know that this little creature is your sibling and important to us, which is truly a remarkable quality.
- Thank you for being such a good sport during photo sessions with the baby. Your willingness to rest your head on his back didn’t go unnoticed, even if some shots felt a bit demeaning. Your participation in these moments helps maintain family morale. And yes, I promise to bring you a juicy bone next time I’m out, though let’s be honest: my memory isn’t what it used to be, especially with diaper bags to remember.
- Most importantly, thank you for welcoming your new brother into our family. You could have easily chosen to be standoffish, but you’ve embraced him. Living with a toddler is certainly better than the alternative—like being in a shelter, right? I can assure you that you’ll always have a warm home, food, and (albeit inconsistent) belly rubs.
In closing, I hope you can forgive us for the changes that have come. And while life may be hectic, know that you are still cherished and loved dearly.
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Summary
In this heartfelt letter, a dog owner expresses remorse for neglecting their once-favored pet, Sam, after the birth of a son. They reflect on the changes in their household dynamics and convey appreciation for Sam’s patience and resilience amidst the chaos of welcoming a new baby. The owner reassures Sam of their enduring love and commitment to her well-being.