A Dog and His Boy

Before Camden was born, we were quite concerned with how Riley (pictured on the left) would react. Sadie (on the right) has always been a loner, and her original owner had been a daycare provider, so we didn't think twice about her. Riley, however, has been my baby for many years, and a very needy one at that. I adopted him in 1997 from the Bangor Humane Society, and Sadie joined us in 1998, when her owner decided to move to California, but didn't save room for Sadie. Riley and Sadie lived in the lap of luxury, until I got married in 2001, and they were both abruptly knocked down a few pegs, when their adoptive father came on the scene. However, they were still my babies, so when I got pregnant I started to wonder if we would find ourselves in one of those situations where we would have to "find a good home" for one or both of the dogs, because they wouldn't be able to cope with a baby in the house. We bought a book about preparing dogs for a new baby, which suggested wrapping a stuffed animal in a blanket and carrying it around, seeing how the dogs reacted. Riley freaked. Sadie didn't bat an eyelash. We grew more concerned. Then, we brought Camden home. Sadie barely took notice. Riley, on the other hand, acted as though he'd given birth to Camden himself, and has been madly in love ever since. He loves that boy more than life itself. Camden loves to hold Riley hostage in his bedroom. Riley doesn't care. Camden likes to drive matchbox cars up and down Riley's back. Riley sits there patiently. Sometimes Camden forgets himself and pulls Riley's ears or tail, or bops him on the head with something. Riley never seems to notice. He protects his boy, and if he's not to sure about a person, he won't let that person be alone with Camden. Sadie takes occasional notice, if there is food involved, of course. Riley, on the other hand, is hopelessly devoted.