The first kid

Here he lies on the floor, next to my feet, as I type this.

The loyal one, the sweet one, the protective one. He thinks he's bigger than anyone that crosses his path, and he's only about 20 lbs. But he stands his ground, listens to our every word, and doesn't ever act out.

He's been considerably shut out with the two new boys in the picture now, but as the new ones get older, he is slowly but surely getting his most-deserved attention back.

Our beloved Fotchoy, which means fortune or good luck in Cantonese.

He's a white miniature schnauzer. I've never known or ever knew such a loyal, kind canine ever existed. From the first time I met him (B had him already when we started dating), I was amazed at how obedient he was! He doesn't need to be walked with a leash - in fact, he can't stand the thing and cannot be walked comfortably with it. Of course, we have to use a leash where necessary, but if it's to check mail or a short walk down the street during non-peak dog-walking times, he's good to go. He would "stay" and "come here" on command. If anyone or any cats or dogs or any animal for that matter were in sight, he doesn't give them the time of day, unless we acknowledge that they're friends, to whom he excitedly greets and proceeds to play with. He has been more protective of the home ever since the first baby joined the family, the natural thing for loyal dogs, barking at any suspicious sounds. Now that toddlers run amuck, bumping into him, bothering him, or even "petting" him (which is when P and R are learning "gentle"), he merely gives them a warning grunt and let's them do whatever. So sweet! Even I'm tried when my toddlers bother me constantly and here is a dog (human?) who can withstand the test of children.

How much a person can care for their pet proves how much they can love their own family. It's amazing how much patience and parenting you can learn from caring for these creatures.










^^He's so great when it comes to picture taking. How many dogs do you know who would let you take endless pictures until you got the perfect one while they wore that thing? Poor kid, but it's so cute! Haha. Btw, he's not so well-groomed lately bc we've been so busy so the poor guy hasn't been able to look like his cute self, but we're getting back on that this year. He's supposed to have a nice skirt like schnauzers should (as in the first pic). He's all shaved now and ready to grow out some new un-matted locks.

What is your experience with pets? How about having pets with children? Do you feel a strong connection to your pets?