My dogs were my first "babies." I'd been a dog mom to Grady for 4 years when my twins were born, and I worried how they would interact. Grady is exceptional with children, having volunteered with me at libraries and schools before the boys were born, but how would he react to having not one, but two tiny people in his house all day, every day? And what would happen when he hit his senior years when the boys were still toddlers? These questions weighed on my mind as I prepared to become a mom.
Fast forward three years and Grady adores his human brothers. He's with them as soon as they wake up, greeting them and asking for pets (and a cookie!). He's incredibly tolerant, but I haven't taken that for granted. I put in a lot of work to ensure that they would have a solid, respectful relationship. I taught the boys to pet Grady gently and to respect his boundaries from a very early age. And I never leave them unattended so that I can always make sure that they are being gentle with each other. This hard work has paid off as I watch them now, playing together and enjoying one another every day.
This year, Grady turned 7, which is the age when dogs are considered to be seniors. Two weeks ago, I shared how I was working to protect Grady's cognitive awareness at this important stage of life by switching him to Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind food from PetSmart. I'm happy now to report that Grady is enjoying life with his preschool aged pals every day and Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind is helping him to stay sharp and remember a few of his favorite old tricks.
Grady is loving his new food, and I'm loving how he is thriving since the switch. According to experts at Purina Pro Plan, around age seven, the glucose metabolism in a dog's brain begins to change, which can affect memory, learning, awareness, or decision making. Purina Pro Plan contains enhanced botanical oils shown to promote alertness and mental sharpness in dogs seven or older with visible results within 30 days.
I also love a great deal, and if you spend $10 on any Purina Pro Plan Dry Dog or Cat Food* at PetSmart between 8/31 and 10/4, you can save $10 on your next Purina Pro Plan Dry Food purchase, 14-lb. or more, on or before 11/1.
*Subject to availability. Transaction total is after discounts and before taxes.
Grady has a few tricks up his sleeve, and he is not going to forget them any time soon, especially since his new food is helping him to stay sharp. I've taught the boys how to get him to do a couple of his old favorites.
Grady gives great high-fives! Having the boys help Grady practice some of his favorite tricks is a wonderful way to encourage positive interactions and gentle handling. Young children can be rough on pets, so showing them how to gently and properly handle animals is critical for everyone's comfort and safety.
Roll over is another crowd pleaser - and Grady is always happy to oblige for a belly rub!
Seeing Grady thrive on Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind has really helped to put my mind at ease for his future. It is never easy watching your pet age, especially when you have very young children in the house as well. Knowing that I am feeding Grady a daily diet that helps to increase his cognitive awareness and protect his ability to adapt and cope with change makes me feel secure that he has a bright future ahead. And I love seeing my boys treat Grady with such love and respect, as I know that they are learning a great deal about empathy and caring. And having lots of fun! Seeing this makes me one happy mom (and dog mom!).
Are you a mom and a dog mom too? What are your favorite ways to see your dogs and kids interact? Leave a comment below and let me know!