A while back I wrote a Blog post about the “relationship” between my dog Jack and my son. (Read more about it HERE).  I can’t even begin to appropriately express my anxiousness whenever the two of them got in close proximity to each other. Jack did NOT like nor tolerate my son…and my son was oblivious to Jack’s feelings towards him.

A face only a mother could love! Don’t be alarmed by the snaggy teeth…they’re only protruding because they’re trying to defy gravity (and age)!

More than a year has passed since I wrote that post…and I am happy to say that things have made a turn for the better! Believe it or not, Jack and my son are new best friends (ok, maybe not BEST friends but they sure do enjoy each other’s company!).

Upon our return from Italy (after four months away from Jack who was staying with the grandparents) I was very concerned about how my now rambunctious son (who’s also hit the “terrible two’s” phase) and my stand-offish dog were going to survive in the same house! Well, to my surprise, Jack welcomed my son with tons of affection (and stinky kisses)!

My son is now slowly starting to learn when Jack is happy (tail is UP) and when Jack is angry (tail is DOWN-although he doesn’t always respect this!).

He loves this new responsibility!

I think that this new daily routine as also helped reiterate who’s the one “in charge”.

My son even puts his hand in the bowl and pets Jack while he’s eating (which usually is a no-no for most dogs).

Don’t get me wrong, Jack does have his moments, especially when my son has his “terrible two” moments, but for the most part they get along.  When Jack gets annoyed he takes off calmly, and my son now understands when he’s pushed his buttons!

Now all Jack has to do is start getting used to my daughter (who was pretty much a newborn when we left for Italy four months ago).

A year ago, upon watching this scene I would have been thinking, “Oh no, she’s getting closer…what is Jack going to do…stand guard…!”

What a sigh of relief! Complete dismissiveness (on Jack’s part!).  Believe it or not, the roles are reversed…it’s my daughter who is scared of Jack and actually prefers keeping her distance.  (To say she was disgusted with Jack’s display of affection is an understatement).  She usually scrunches her nose and looks at him in utter disgust!

I’m guessing that Jack still thinks he’s the king of the castle from time to time…

But that’s okay with me, as long as he’d getting along with the kids.

So, for all of you who have found yourself in this situation, don’t fret!  It takes patience and perseverance but there IS a light at the tunnel.