Welcome home, Wilson!?? (AKA Introducing adopted kids to your dog)

As you already know, Wilson is our first kid  an important part of our lives. So we were a little concerned with how the kids meeting Wilson would go. We did our very best to prepare them for the meeting. We made a book with a whole page of pictures of Wilson and we talked about Wilson constantly before we came home. The kids probably each said his name 200 times before we even got home. When we got home, they asked, "where's Wilson??" (We had decided to leave him at the kennel for the first night home to let everyone adjust a little and then go get him the second day home). They looked at his picture and every dog they saw they called 'Wilson'.  We decided, in advance, that no matter what, Wilson was here first and for better or for worse, we were going to make it work.

However, no matter how many pictures we looked at, we weren't fooled into believing they actually knew what 'Wilson' really was. When we were in DC Vaughn was on a walk with Andy and his dad and they ran into a neighbor who had two small dogs. It was later reported to me that Vaughn was neither excited or impressed by these animals and in fact maybe he was a little scared. That right there told me that no matter how many times we all said the name 'Wilson' no one was really ready for him. And keep in mind, that Vaughn is the brave and adventurous one.

Enter day two at home, Andy was going to go get Wilson by himself and then bring him home but the kids kind of started falling apart and we knew no one was ready for a separation like that, so we all loaded in the car and headed out for Wilson (Flexibility: rule number 1 for the Baldwins these days). When we got there, Wilson was behind a gate about half a football field away from us and as soon as they saw him, they both started....screaming. And not with joy. If it wasn't my life, it would have been hilarious. Andy walked out to get him and Vaughn ran around the car and Eloise clung to me like I was going to drop her off a cliff. Each step Andy came closer with the dog was a step closer to death for these two kids. They were terrified. When Wilson got to us, he was, of course, all smiles, licks and laughs, but he was the only one. Vaughn wouldn't come within 10 feet of him and Eloise wouldn't leave 1 inch between her and I. And now we have to put the wild dog in the back of the Subaru and chain two kids into car seats for the hour-long ride home. So we did what anyone would do and we tied Wilson up in the back so he couldn't reach the kids and we tried to comfort the kids that this wasn't the animal of terror they thought it was. Eloise cried most of the way home and especially anytime she sensed Wilson at her back. I had to hold her hand just to keep her a little calm.

When we got home the plan was, I get the kids inside the house and Andy bring in Wilson for round two. They both watched their back the whole way to the house, but Vaughn was a little calmer by this time. Wilson comes in, on a leash, and more screams from Eloise. Andy is already working with Vaughn that Wilson is OK, but he still won't come near him.

Day 2: Vaughn is kind of dancing around Wilson, a little bit ready to engage, but still tentative on his own. By the end of the day, he's done his research and has decided Wilson is AOK. Eloise: screams of terror if Wilson looks at her (and I'm not exaggerating). By now, we've taught the kids, "NO, WILSON!" instead of screaming so they can redirect him if he is in their way or they don't want him near. Eloise still resorts to screaming which only excites Wilson. By now, he's off leash and we're just working with the kids and redirecting Wilson when needed, but we're not letting the Eloise Show of Terror determine anything because we know Wilson is safe and we know she will know it, too.

Day 3: Andy has taught Vaughn to feed Wilson and we've gone on a walk together. Eloise: shorter screams, but still screams when Wilson is around. Meanwhile, I have demonstrated playing with Wilson and allowing him to lick your hand/face whatever.

Day 4: Vaughn is calling for Wilson and wanting him around. Eloise: will throw food his way, but will not tolerate him coming near her.

Day 5: Vaughn is wanting Wilson to sleep in his bed. Eloise: "No Wilson" and an occasional scream, but lots of snacks coming his way from her.

Day 6: Victory! Can you hear the heavens celebrate? Today after breakfast Eloise came right up to Wilson and put one hand on his back. I praised her and she immediately called for Papa to see. Excited with the praise, she put two hands on him and again called for Papa. She still gets upset when he is in her space, but we know it's not a huge deal and we still aren't letting it determine how we feel about Wilson being around.

If you are an adoptive parent and heading into this "kid meets dog" trial, take note, it's not that bad. You just can't react to your kids reaction and you need to decide in advance that a) your dog is safe (and if he's not there is another course of action for you) and b) your dog is staying. I think if you do those things, it will all work out. However, there is no way to prepare your poor dog for this change...Wilson is still asking how long we are babysitting for.