This giveaway has ended.
Winners:
1. Andrea // prajaline(at)gmail(dot)com)
2. Amber // amber(at)enigmatic(dot)org
3. Robyn // robynlbryce(at)gmail(dot)com
4. Lindsay // lindsaylineberry(at)gmail(dot)com
5. Alaina // talkelectric(at)yahoo(dot)com
Before Henry came along, the baby of the house was our Boston Terrier Madeline. Always pampered, always on someone's lap...she was really our #1 everything. From the time she was a puppy she we considered her our “child,” and so when I found out we were pregnant, one of the first things I thought about was Madeline. How would she react to the new addition to our family? What would it be like to have a baby, right along with a rambunctious pup?
I was nervous when we first brought Henry home from the hospital but we made sure to give Miss M. special attention, lots of extra hugs and kisses, and right away she became Henry's number one fan and biggest protector. And now, two years later our house is filled with the pitter-patter of toddler feet, mixed with the jingle of a certain little someone's pink collar, as Henry and Madeline run and jump and play together. They are the best of friends and the most hilarious pair.
It’s funny to think back to Madeline’s puppy days. We have so many memories of her as the tiniest little thing- chasing around bigger dogs fearlessly, her silly little bark ringing through the house, and the time she went exploring in the garage and we found her nestled into a container full of old sweaters. It amazes me to think back to that first taste of responsibility we had with Madeline. In many ways, it prepared us to become parents.
It's amazing to me that Henry is growing up knowing how wonderful it is to have an animal in your life. He's surrounded by her love every single day (and covered in her kisses every single moment), and I wouldn't have it any other way. Henry is learning responsibility too; he helps me get her food in the morning, fills up her water dish, and says "Sit, Maddie!" before giving her a treat. He's learning the importance of feeding her healthy food so she feels good, and he's realizing that she depends on us for everything she needs. We go on walks in the evenings, and as Henry has gotten older he loves holding her leash and "helping"...even though it's more like Maddie's walking him! But most of all, Madeline has taught him how to be gentle with animals and how to treat all living things with kindness and compassion.
Our little pup has brought so much love to his life already, and I can't imagine how much closer they will grow over the rest of Maddie's lifetime.
And so along with IAMs I ask you, what are some things you do for your pet to keep them happy and healthy?
Leave a comment below (including your name and email address) to get involved in the conversation, and I'll randomly choose five of you to win a $50 giftcard this Sunday!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of IAMS Proactive Health Puppy Formula. And as always with sponsored posts, the opinions expressed and text are all mine.