When people discuss the dynamics of family life after the arrival of a new child, it’s often the second child that gets less attention. In my household, however, our first child—a spirited 25-pound terrier mix named Max—seems to have been the one to take the backseat. Max came into our lives five years ago and was treated like the furry king of our castle. He enjoyed gourmet treats, plush toys, and frequent trips to the local dog park. He even participated in festive events like doggy Halloween parades and playdates that would make any pup envious.
But everything shifted when our baby girl, Lily, arrived. Suddenly, our beloved dog’s world turned upside down. The special treats are now few and far between, park outings have become a rare privilege, and those cherished belly rubs are much less frequent. Max has gone from being our center of attention to being a supporting player in our busy family drama. It’s not that we love him any less; he will always be our first furry child.
I often find myself feeling guilty about this change, and while I can’t completely undo the upheaval, I feel it’s essential to express my heartfelt apologies to Max. So here are a few of the regrets I want to share, in hopes that he can forgive us.
- First and foremost, I’m genuinely sorry, Max. I know the arrival of Lily was unexpected for you. You probably assumed you’d always be our main focus. Perhaps I should’ve shown you some heartwarming dog movies to prepare you for this transition. Although this change is a natural part of family life, you will always hold a special place in our hearts—even if we can’t treat you to those fancy dog biscuits from the boutique anymore.
- I recognize that your needs have taken a backseat over the past couple of years. Playtime has dwindled, and your walks around the block are now infrequent. I deeply regret the time we forgot to let you outside for hours, resulting in an unfortunate bladder infection. I wish I could say it was an anomaly, but with a newborn, I was so sleep-deprived that I could barely keep track of my own name, let alone your needs. I’m sorry, truly.
- Your patience with Lily has been remarkable, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. You’ve shown such resilience in the face of toddler antics, enduring hair-pulling and the occasional accidental bump. It’s as if you instinctively know that this little one is part of our family. Your ability to adapt is nothing short of admirable, and I’m grateful for your calm demeanor.
- I appreciate the adorable moments you share with Lily, from cozy photo ops to gentle nudges. Thank you for your willingness to pose for those pictures—even when some may seem a bit undignified. Your cooperation in these moments has brought smiles to our faces, and I promise to reward you with a meaty bone next time I’m out, although I can’t guarantee I won’t forget. After all, I can barely remember to replenish the diaper bag with essentials.
- Most importantly, thank you for welcoming Lily into our family. You didn’t have to be so accepting, yet you’ve done so with grace. I can only promise you a loving home, food, and the occasional belly rub—though they may not be as regular as before.
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In summary, life has changed dramatically since Lily’s arrival, and I deeply regret not being able to devote the same attention to Max, our beloved dog. I hope he understands that he will always be our first child, even amidst the chaos of raising a toddler.