Little Dog

Do you ever get baby fever? Like you just need to hold a baby in your arms or you might bust? Of course, I’m speaking to those who have not currently cured the fever by actually having a baby that is most likely in their arms around the clock. 

No, as one whose baby factory shut down years ago for various reasons, I’m speaking to those whose babies are grown, whose grand-babies aren’t nearby, or whose arms don’t frequently feel the warmth of a precious bundle of squishy cuteness.

Everyone knows that the best cure for baby fever is to hold someone’s baby. Give a mom and dad a break. Love on a friend or relative’s newborn. And I am all for this. Bring on the babies. 

But for those who would like a more consistent remedy - now hear me out - I suggest adopting a little elderly lap dog. 

I know what you’re thinking. A dog is no substitute. And you’re right. But every time I hold my recently adopted 12-year-old sleepy Shih-Tzu in my arms, it does something good for my soul. 

And this is coming from someone who never considered herself a lap dog kind of gal. There’s something to be said about being able to pet my large mountain dog without even bending over. But I guess when you reach a certain point in your life, all kinds of things can change. 

And this is a change I’ve embraced. Bring on the little geriatric pups. Bring on the borrowed babies. 

And yes, keep those big kid hugs coming. Much like with the mountain dog, bending over may no longer be needed. Those hugs may pretty much be eye level now, those arms may wrap all the way around me, and I may feel time slipping away with every embrace. But there’s just not a furball in the world that can compete with those bear hugs. 

Perhaps Little Dog isn’t a cure for baby fever so much as just one very cute and cuddly nostalgic reminder. A reminder to embrace every embrace you can get. Because babies just don't stay little for long. I guess that's why God created little dogs. 

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