When a baby is added to a family, we usually hear about the effects on the human members of the family. What little attention paid to the pets’ reactions is often focused solely on the animals. New Hampshire veterinarian and animal behavioralist Myrna Milani has written an article, Infants, Toddlers, Dogs, and the Human-Animal Bond, that explores how the parents’ relationship with the dog may create problems in the way the dog relates to the baby and others.
We don’t have a dog, but it’s been interesting watching our cat, Lena, adjust to the baby. I gave her a bit of a warning by bringing our daughter’s knit cap home from the hospital the first night. Lena was curious at first, but much more interested in being petted. When we brought our baby home a few days later, Lena disappeared into the basement at the first cry.
Lena’s much better now, but still keeps her distance. Interestingly, she will find us if we don’t respond to our daughter’s cries fast enough for her. I’m curious to see what happens when our baby becomes more mobile…will Lena retreat to the basement again or will she take a more active role as a “babysitter?”