Updated: Dec. 20, 2015
Originally Published: May 28, 2015
A few months after settling down with my husband, we welcomed Benny, our quirky corgi, into our lives. At 33, I was just beginning to feel the weight of my biological clock, and this little guy was irresistibly cute, with his short legs and wagging tail. Benny quickly became the social butterfly of our Upper East Side block, charming the doormen and posing for countless photos. He even had a beagle companion down the hall, with whom he enjoyed spirited playdates.
Having never owned a pet before, I soon found myself obsessing over Benny’s happiness. He enjoyed four lengthy walks each day, a diet of organic food, a stylish winter coat for the chilly New York weather, and a plush dog bed that he rarely used. Thanks to my encouragement, Benny became well-known among our friends for his impressive fetching skills. With little wind resistance, he would race like a furry missile to retrieve a thrown ball or stick.
After three blissful years, I became pregnant. Benny and I spent countless hours together, enjoying walks and playing fetch from the couch. At night, he would snuggle on my lap, gradually inching away as my belly grew. One morning, I woke up with a jolt—labor had begun.
In the early weeks of my son’s life, Benny showed a protective side, sensing the significance of the new arrival. However, it soon hit him that this baby was here to stay. Not only was the infant a noisy energy drain—a vortex of crying and dirty diapers—but he also had a collection of enticing toys that Benny was not allowed to touch. Add to that an enormous stroller that Benny feared would run him over, and it was a recipe for disaster.
After tiptoeing around our small one-bedroom for months, we decided to relocate our family to Brooklyn, hoping for more space and a quieter lifestyle. In an instant, we uprooted Benny from his favorite spots and his doggy girlfriend, trading them for a gritty, noisy neighborhood filled with barking dogs. Dog parks were scarce, and early-morning park visits became a rare occurrence once the baby arrived.
Shortly after we moved, Benny faced a traumatic incident when a pit bull broke free from its leash and attacked him in our courtyard. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but from that moment on, Benny turned into a bundle of anxiety. He became convinced that every noise, child, or even a mop was a threat. As my son began to explore by “walking” with a noisy plastic cart, Benny felt cornered and overwhelmed.
Now, at two years old, my son eagerly tries to engage with Benny, showering him with hugs and kisses. Unfortunately, Benny doesn’t share the enthusiasm. He has gained weight due to lack of exercise and has retreated into a shell, often choosing solitude over companionship. When I’m not dealing with my guilt as a dog-mom, I find myself yelling at Benny to stop chewing toys or barking at the slightest sound—a behavior that only adds to my frustration.
Why couldn’t Benny adapt? I felt anger towards myself for finding him inconvenient when he had once been a source of joy. I blamed my overprotective parenting for his anxiety. But I promised myself that Benny would never suffer the fate of being given away like my husband’s childhood pets.
On a recent flight, my son began yelling, “Shup-up, Benny! Shup-up!” I was more embarrassed by my son’s outburst than the dirty looks from nearby passengers. It was a harsh realization of how often I tell Benny to be quiet. My husband and I soon began contemplating a move away from our chaotic Brooklyn neighborhood. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a home with a yard for grilling and playing fetch? A space where Benny could escape my son’s enthusiastic affection?
We eventually found the perfect house in a quiet Bronx neighborhood. With a lovely backyard for Benny to explore, chase squirrels, and stock up on sticks, it was an ideal setting. The house also offered benefits for us: more indoor space, a quality public school nearby, and a much easier commute. Yet, if I’m being honest, we made this move primarily to improve Benny’s life. After all, isn’t that what every caring pet owner desires for their furry family member?
For those interested in alternative family planning options, check out this post about home insemination kits. Additionally, if you’re looking for expert insights into fertility and parenting, you can visit this excellent resource.
Summary
In this heartfelt narrative, Sarah reflects on her journey with her corgi, Benny, detailing the challenges they faced after the arrival of her son. Their move to Brooklyn brought additional stress to Benny, leading Sarah to seek a new home that would provide a better environment for her beloved pet. Ultimately, her decision to purchase a house was motivated by a desire to give Benny a happier life, exemplifying the deep bond between pets and their owners.