Expect the Toddler

From What to Expect the Toddler Years [by Heidi Murkoff & Sharon Mezel] on a question regarding pets and toddlers :

A dog can not only be a toddler's best friend, it can also be one of his best learning tools. This is true of pets in general but especially true of dogs. From a dog, a young child can learn about animals and nature, about responsibility, about empathy, about getting along with others, about unconditional love and loyalty.

The text goes on in detail over the subject. Isn't that beautiful?


Kid, at 14 months, is almost steady on his feet now. Rather than play with his toys, he's either playing Tail the Tyrants, Harass the Huskies or Annoy the Animals.

The tyrants, being a lazy bunch, are constantly napping all over the floor. Perfect for Kid to play with their ears, pull their tails, rearrange their fur and push their prone feet around. When they do get up and move around, there's a constant shadow behind them, toddling at top speed trying to catch their upright tails.

We're not sure about all that nice stuff, but Kid is definitely learning how to be a tyrant!