DOGGIE DAYCARE

Kate has the paw-fect reason to be preoccupied

I’m very relieved that research now proves baby brain is an actual thing. Of course, those of us who are mothers have known this forever, but like most things, it’s nice to hear it backed up by actual data. People seem to believe the “experts” more than they believe new mums. Go figure!

Anyway, hot on the heels of baby brain, I bring you my own personal research on the reality that is puppy brain.

Yep, I’m sure it’s real. Because I have it. Ever since we adopted our little babygirl pup, I have been a hot mess of dizziness, vagueness and, to be honest, completely at sea. My days just pass me by. It’s all a blur. All I know is, I spend a good chunk of my time snuggling or cradling a little white furry ball of fluff. Some days, I realise it’s 10am and I’m not even dressed.

Why? I don’t know why. I just know that I am staring at a puppy and pouring all my love (and time) into her. Whole days slip by and I think, “What have I done?” Played with a puppy, filled water bowls, taken puppy out to do wees – I honestly don’t know. I mean, what could be more important than all that?

I have no idea what we did with our time before she came along. The kids will come and ask me pertinent questions, like, “Where’s the milk?” or, “Why is the washing from three days ago still on the laundry floor?” or, “Why are you still in your nightie, Mum?” I just look at them blankly. “What?” I’ll ask from beneath a pile of white fluff.

There are no answers, other than that I must have puppy brain. My heart is so full of love for this little furry dot that it must have exploded out of my chest and seeped all the way up to my brain.

I think now in increments of puppy time. “Can we go out?” is answered with, “Only when the puppy’s asleep.” She’s running our lives. This, of course, is the worst way to raise a puppy and as the breeder rightly chided, “You’ll have an entitled little princess if you don’t start treating her like a dog and less like a baby.” Hmmm, good point.

This clucky mama might just be compensating for something. Felt like another baby but instead got a dog? I’m sure that’s a real thing too! My husband has to keep reminding me whose dog it is.

“Remember, babe?” he starts. “This puppy is for Marley, to teach her responsibility. It’s her dog – she’s the one who is supposed to be looking after it.” I’m sure he uses other words, but I’ve usually zoned out as I’m playing peekaboo.

Actually, he’s not much better. For a man who said “no more dogs” in a very stern fashion, I do notice when my back is turned that our furry wee friend seems to be spending an awful lot of time on his lap! I found him the other day lying on the grass in the front yard with a certain little madam lying flat out on his chest snoring. Puppy brain may not be contagious, but puppy love certainly is.