Ruby and Charlie, mostly Charlie...

Alex the first and last time you will see him as a pumpkin.
Charlie loving being a pumpkin.
Ruby not so much, very embarrassed.
Alex and Charlie playing.

Well the story goes as follows. Before we had children we became parents of our two dogs Ruby and Charlie. We pretty much lived and breathed them. Brought them with us everywhere, bragged about the new tricks they could do at cocktail parties, and brought them to the vet over every little thing. Then Anthony was born. I kid you not I came home from the hospital, opened up the door to our home, and suddenly realize that we had (gasp) two dogs. Before you have children you swear that you are kindred spirits, maybe even soul mates, and cannot even bare to think of your life without your dogs. As soon as you walk in the door with this teeny little baby it all changes. You soon realize that they are the last in command. They shed, drool, and everything you once thought was cute has become a little annoying. I did feel terrible for thinking these things but unfortunately each and everyone of my friends that has joined us in Parenting 101 realizes that there is some truth to these statements. Regardless you learn to have a new relationship with your "dogs" and still consider them family. Especially when you are faced with the possibility of losing one of them.

Charlie has been having seizures. I called the vet and they told me that they are quite common in dogs especially pugs. Not exactly what you want to hear. We can bring him in for blood work and medication may control it but there are no guarantees. Most the time it is an indicator that something more serious is coming to a head. Erik is beside himself. Anthony is frightened because he doesn't quite understand what Charlie is doing when he has a seizure (they can last up to 20 min). I am thoroughly confused as to what is in the best interest of Charlie's well being. Just a yucky situation and for the first time in a long time I do see him as one of my kids. Logically I know what may need to happen, emotionally I am not willing to face that until we try a few other (I am sure expensive) options.

Charlie is such a good sport, the other day I brought out Anthony's 1st Halloween costume to see if Alex can wear it this year. We decided to bust out our Halloween decorations a little early. Anyways, I could barely snap it around Alex's chubby thighs so I think it is safe to say we will be trying other options. But Charlie is such a trooper he became our magic pumpkin instead. He just goes with the flow, is so gentle with the boys, and a really good guy. Here's to you Charlie!