The Furry Ones

   As I mentioned before, our Great Dane, Keena Louise, is our biggest baby....literally. Weighing in at 130 lbs, Keena makes her presence known! Since the day I rescued her I have been prepping her for the day we would have a baby. That may sound silly but it's all simple things, really. I would test her with loud noises and crying baby sounds, pull on her tail, ears, and all of her extra skin and she has always been completely unphased by almost everything! We are so blessed to have her in our lives and for her to be as calm and well adjusted as she is considering she came from a horrible home.
   Keena has never really cared about kids that much...give them a sniff and be on her way. People have always asked me what I will do with her once I have kids and since announcing this pregnancy I have actually had people ask me if I will get rid of her. My answer to that has always been a big NO! Animals are NOT disposable and they are extremely important in our lives. Unless Furrby is severely allergic to dogs or cats they aren't going anywhere! I do not buy into the concept that no matter what you do your kids can be terrified of animals. I believe the environment and parents have a lot to do with it and it helps when you have such an amazing animal as Miss Louise! Also, it's proven children actually have better immune systems with animals in the house! I truly believe that Keena will be a great big sister and want to protect her new little brother.
   Realistically there are things you have to worry about with such a large dog and a small child. I'm a firm believer that no child (under the age of five really) should be left unsupervised with an animal. Maybe if it's something in a cage or tank...but not dogs or cats. If we need to shower or cook either the baby comes with us or the animals are confined into their room. Over the years I have thought of many ways that we will keep both baby and fur babies safe! I am just excited to see them interact together and learn to love each other!