The day we brought home baby was a day I was very proud of Paolo. Firstly, I had been gone for a few days so I knew he was going to be excited to see me. Secondly, I had no idea how he was going to reacted to the sounds and smells of a baby. It was all a little concerning. We arrived home after that long slow journey you take with your first newborn and there he was waiting for us. Already wiggling, I knew this was going to be interesting. Here was the make it or break it moment, when the dog you love like a child either becomes just a dog or stays as a child in your mindset.
We brought baby inside and up the stairs to his room, where he let out a newborn cry. Paolo does not go upstairs, not because he isn't invited he just doesn't like to climb up anything. However, the very second he heard that cry Paolo was at the top of the staircase in a flash. From that moment on Paolo was a changed dog, he was no longer the carefree puppy, he now had a job to do. HE was a big brother, duties including protecting his baby from anyone he didn't know, licking him when he got a chance and making sure I did something when he cried.
A few years later, Paolo is lovingly called "Pup-OH" as the baby (now toddler) calls him.
Paolo and I went from quiet long walks to eventful trips to the playground. From rough housing to stepping lightly and from just the 2 of us to the 4 of us.
Which ever you call him Paolo or Pupoh I couldn't be more proud that he is my puppy, my greatest friend and baby food cleaner upper.
