to those who have pets

nikkim76

How did you handle not being able to pay as much attention or get out for walks playtime, etc either due to new babies, bedrest, or not feeling well. Especially when things have been busy for my husband as well. I know he will get less attention once the babies come but I just feel so bad he doesn't get out as much as he used to since I am on bedrest and have had a tough pregnancy. I don't feel like its fair but I can't really do anything about it now.He seems so bored or depressed!!

jenn_darrin1515

We have cats and we just tried to make sure they got some attention from us at the same time everyday, which turned out to be when we got home from work (5ish) when they get their dinner and around 10ish when we went to bed...we made a really big deal out of them for only probably about 10 minutes at these two times...but they got some attention that way at least...they seemed a little pi$$ed about the new babies tho for the first couple months and spent a lot of time pouting in the basement...but now they are over it...unfortunately they get less attention overall...but everyone has adjusted nicely!

jalaiaa

I'm wondering the same thing. We have 2 dogs who should get walks every day, but while I'm not on bedrest, I am much more tired than I was so the walks are less frequent and definitely shorter. I feel so bad for them. I try to spend more time in our backyard throwing the ball and have considered getting a dog walker. 

mnj917

I hate to say this, but it won't really get any easier once the babies come...the first few months after my little guys came along, I was so sleep deprived (I BF'd) and just a royal cranky 'b' that I still can't believe DH and I are still married!  I guess the only advice I can give you is to remember that this is a learning process for both of you.  We also made it a point to have dinner together every night (or almost every night) so we could at least talk and keep up on what was going on with each other.  the other thing that we have done for a long time is give each other a 'nice thing' every night before we go to sleep - just something that we appreciate about each other, whether it's something general (You are a good cook) or something more specific (Thanks for taking the trash out today!).  I really think that helps us keep in mind that other one has responsibilities and is doing their part. 

Now that the boys are older, we try to spend at least 20-30 minutes of family play time after dinner where we all basically just roll around on the floor and play.  It's a lot of fun for all of us and I"m sure you will be able to do the same thing with your pets once your babies are old enough.  We did have a dog when DD was born and they were best buddies - while the dog passed away before the boys came, I know she would have loved them too.  I think with animals, it's really important to include them as much as possible with all the baby time and don't treat them any differently (ie, move their bed, food, etc).  Best of luck with all your babies (fur and non-fur!) : )

 

Soon2bMrs.NeilD

Now that I'm at the hospital on bedrest our poor Miffy is in a rough spot. Luckily my SIL has agreed to help out by keeping her for a few days. My husband is going to pick her up weekends and have her stay home with him. We also take her to day camp on Saturdays to get her energy out while we get a break from her. Walks are out for you but see if your hubby can find an enclosed park and have the dog run free for a bit. We do this when we don't have time for runs/walks. Also, as pp mentioned a dog walker/runner may be an option. Look up runner groups in your area and see if someone is willing to take him on their runs for a small fee. Neighborhood kids could help walk around the block and play with him for a bit too. One more thing, my dog sleeps on the floor on my side of the bed. She also sleeps on the floor besides the couch whenever I napped there too. I would include her in everything I did to prepare for the babies at home too. My hubby would have her lick my belly. We're planning on really involving her when babies arrive in any small way we can. Needless to say though she will have boundaries. Look at the Pets board over on The Nest for more tips. GL!

MawrtyrB

My cat loves having me home. She babysits me when DH isn't home. She was very unhappy about DD being born and she's already not happy that I'm pregnant again but I try to give her all the extra snuggles that I can.

shellshavintwins

My poor pup does seem to be getting increasingly depressed. The more I am stuck in the house the more she is too, and my hubby drives overnight for work. I am trying to keep her busier inside by throwing her the "inside" ball. It's just not the same to her though.