Sloane Heffernan: Puppy love

We thought it would be the best Christmas gift in the world for our boys. What little boy wouldn’t want a puppy for Christmas?

We had lost our beloved dog Bandit a few years before. At that time, Bandit was too old and tired and the boys were too young to appreciate that great relationship between a boy and his dog. 

Last Christmas, we finally felt ready to open our home and are hearts to a new four-legged family member. We surprised the kids with an English Bulldog puppy – the same breed as our beloved Bandit. They were thrilled!! We called her Rosie-Belle.

Our boys showered Rosie-Belle with love and affection, but slowly the excitement wore off and the responsibility of owning a dog became a bit of a burden for the boys. 

However, there was one person who couldn’t get enough of our new dog, our little girl who had just turned two when we brought Rosie home. She has adored the dog since day one and never gets tired of sharing her love.

I must admit that she sometimes loves the dog a bit too much. However, Rosie tolerates all of it, even those tight, tight hugs and the occasional tug at the ear. They are the best of friends. 

I don’t know why I thought the bond between a boy and his dog is so important. Turns out the family member that we least expected to bond with Rosie became the best companion that dog could ever have.

Sloane is a reporter and anchor for WRAL-TV and the mom of three. She writes monthly for Go Ask Mom.