When my partner and I welcomed Baxter, our anxious corgi, into our lives a few months after moving in together, everything changed. At 33, I found myself feeling the urgency of my biological clock, and Baxter was the perfect companion—adorable with his little legs and wagging tail. He quickly became the social butterfly of our neighborhood, charming everyone from doormen to fellow dog owners. He even had a beagle friend with whom he enjoyed playful antics.
Having never owned a pet before, I became overly concerned about Baxter’s happiness. He was treated to multiple long walks each day, premium organic food, a stylish winter coat for the cold weather, and a plush dog bed he never seemed to use. Baxter quickly became an expert in fetching, earning a reputation among our friends for his relentless enthusiasm in returning balls and sticks.
After three years of blissful dog-parenting, I discovered I was pregnant. The bond between Baxter and me deepened as we spent countless hours playing and walking together. However, the arrival of my son was a turning point. Initially protective, Baxter soon realized that the new baby was here to stay, and he was less than thrilled. The infant’s incessant crying and a plethora of toys he was forbidden to touch made Baxter increasingly anxious. The stroller, which resembled a small vehicle, seemed to threaten him, adding to his stress.
As our one-bedroom apartment began to feel cramped, we decided to relocate to Brooklyn, hoping for a more spacious and peaceful environment. Unfortunately, Baxter’s world was turned upside down. He left behind familiar comforts, including his favorite napping spots and friends, and was thrust into a noisy neighborhood filled with barking dogs. The absence of dog parks and early-morning outings became a challenge, especially with an infant.
Shortly after our move, Baxter encountered a distressing situation when a pit bull broke free and attacked him in our courtyard. Though neither dog was seriously injured, Baxter’s anxiety escalated. He became hyper-vigilant, fearing every new sound or movement in our home. Meanwhile, as my son started to explore his surroundings, pushing a noisy toy cart, Baxter felt increasingly cornered and overwhelmed.
Now, my toddler is eager to engage with Baxter, but the feeling is not mutual. Baxter has gained weight due to a lack of physical activity, and his temperament has shifted from a playful companion to a withdrawn pet. I often find myself grappling with guilt over my inability to balance my responsibilities as a mother and a dog owner. I sometimes express my frustration by telling Baxter to be quiet, which was highlighted during a recent flight when my son yelled at him.
After much discussion with my partner, we realized that relocating would benefit our entire family, especially Baxter. We envisioned a home with a yard where he could run freely and escape the chaos of our apartment. This led us to discover a charming three-bedroom house in a more residential area of the Bronx. The property features a lovely backyard, perfect for Baxter to explore and play.
While the new home offers additional space for us and access to a good school, it’s important to acknowledge that our primary motivation was to enhance Baxter’s quality of life. After all, providing a better environment for our beloved pets is a goal that resonates with many pet owners. If you’re considering similar changes for your family, you might find resources like this article on home insemination helpful, along with Make A Mom’s guide on fertility, which offers valuable insights into family planning. Additionally, Mount Sinai’s infertility resources can provide essential support for those on a similar journey.
In summary, relocating to a more spacious environment was a decision driven by the desire to improve the lives of all family members, including our dog Baxter. A new home with a yard will not only provide him a sanctuary but will also help restore balance in our family life.