More than adorable, every two-legged critter needs to be in a picture like this. Children raised with love and respect for animals grow up to become kind, responsible and humane adults.

You will need to flatten the baby before actually beginning the hug process.

Pic credit unavailable which is really a shame. Text is new, origin also unknown and of course, had to do my own tweak. Ordinarily I don't use heavily circulated material, just couldn't risk losing this masterpiece.

Started this page with only the pic at top of page. "Chow Babies" has evolved into a showcase for busting ridiculous old wives tales about animals eating or smothering babies.

The "new baby" is one of the most common dump excuses. Broils my butt every time I hear it, see articles below for excellent - and simple - preparation tips for keeping everybody happy.

Evidently, flattening babies is becoming all the rage. This one cracks me up even more than the first one above. Mainly though, it's obvious the person taking pics isn't worried about the situation. Thanks to Awkward Family Pet Photos for permission to use. Find the original here: http://awkwardfamilypetphotos.com/page/13/ caption: Barley had been upstaged for the last time. Comments here: http://awkwardfamilypetphotos.com/2010/04/30/barley-me/#comments - typically, a few people were actually worried about the kid. Or insisted kid was a doll. Oh help, some people simply are not happy unless they're making themselves miserable, and doing their best to ruin any fun for others. Why else would they be looking in the first place? Those who know dogs, especially big goofy ones, let the party poopers have it. Party on for the rest of my comments.

Uncle Ben (he lives with Dad's parents) is completely infatuated with and very protective of Luke.

The original babies don't mind sharing attention - they get plenty before anybody gets to the new one.

Jax was rescued as an emaciated pup tied out on a Texas summer day with no shade. His mom is the niece draped over Sammie above. I sent the pic out as an early V-day greeting, with a positively peachy idea to spread around the office, church, classrooms, clubs or anywhere V-day parties might happen. A group of friends "decided that it would be so much nicer to send a check and a box of much needed items to BHS rather than exchange gifts (Christmas in this case) among themselves!" Better than wasting money on the usual generic junk nobody wants anyway (that's my opinion, Marilyn's writing is much nicer). http://www.baytownhumanesociety.org/ann_coloradospirit.htm

Not necessarily suggesting donations to BHS specifically, pick any local rescue/shelter. Thanks!

From a friend who is a cat person, "Wow, that baby is soooo tiny, compared to those huge dogs."

That's just Jones normal, Casey and I were puppies together. Pic is my fourth birthday. He also attended all my tea parties. While Steven King's "Cujo" scared the poop outta everybody else - all I saw was my big ol' hairy, slobbery, and most lovable beast.

"Bill is as sweet as he is big. Here he is meeting his brand new sister Anneliese." ~ Karin

Common sense dictates never leaving children unattended for any amount of time with any size dog, cat or what-have-you. Obviously, the camera person was right there.

From a friend: "I had a go-round with a blog visitor who was all traumatized over big dogs around babies. Her mother's dog attacked her baby and she was understandably freaked. It was a shocker."

They're all shockers, due to shockingly stupid moves by people shockingly devoid of brains. Hopefully by the time a kid is old enough to be taught not to run up to a strange dog, they're old enough for the lesson sink in. Babies are stuck up that infamous creek.

Who hasn't heard at least one bite story? One more time, who was at fault? I'm sure nobody properly introduced the kid to the blog visitor's dog. Certainly no preparation - pure ignorance, and no doubt the dog paid. They always do, big OR small.

University of GA's football mascot is a bulldog. Comment on Animal Planet special during fan pics with Uga: 200 years ago you'd never put a child this close to a dog originally bred for bull baiting, also used as war dogs. Something close to that anyway, looked for video clip, no luck.

Anyway, when bull baiting became illegal, the bloody history was bred out. Now, they're among the gentlest dogs around. Supposedly they still look ferocious. Sure, to someone nobody would want or trust around a kid in the first place.

Back to Bill, he is one of a houseful* of award-winning mastiffs. While I don't go out of my way to promote breeders, houseful just about says it all in this case. A dream come true would be all breeders operating under this outstanding example's guidelines.

*Home full is more accurate, as in members of the family. That bunch makes my crowd look puny, all except the latest addition, Buddy, a Lab, a.k.a. the kitchen island. He heard me talking about wanting one. Now, in true-Lab, always-happy-to-please style, that big boy posts himself in the position on a regular basis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIsAoCJwBos ~ Excellent video (lots of so-called bad dogs with kids) made to fight the banning of certain "dangerous" dogs. I don't know how long it will be available.

On the subject of family, according to the North Shore Animal League, "Man's best friend is truly earning his title by breaking down social barriers and making it possible and even easier for singles to meet." (http://www.nsalamerica.org/articles/lifestyle/page.jsp?itemID=31240353)

No one involved in animal welfare would advocate adopting a dog or any other critter for use as an accessory. However, once a couple is established, joint adoption is a perfectly natural next step.

The more pics the merrier, send yours: MarthaJones1@aol.com - please use baby/critter as subject line, unknowns will be deleted.

Love this, note who's in costume and who's not. From left, Auntie Shani, Bailey Rose Brewington and Uncle Homey.

Uncle Bogey is the budding artist's biggest fan. Here again, proof every kid needs a dog, or at least access to one. They're never too busy to pay attention. Dogs are being used more and more in classrooms with great success as reading buddies for kids who need a non-critical audience.

When two of my boys had earlier bedtimes than the big brother, their faithful four-legged brother, Rusty, would climb the stairs for story time before the pillow fights and all that bedtime duncing around. Rusty was the best listener of the three. He absolutely had to be included in that ritual. I often wondered how big his vocabulary actually was because we talked to him all the time and although "The Scary Steam Shovel," or whatever, was not exactly William Faulkner, he paid attention! ~ Nancy

These two might be the same kid, I'm waiting on ID. Too good not to add right away. OK if only first names are given, however anyone's comfortable. Names are really just to distinguish between kids ~ most babies look alike to me. Ain't I awful?

Matthew was a preemie, both cats were bigger than him. If he started crying they would run into the bedroom, stand on the bed, put their paws on the bassinet and howl until I'd come check on him. ~ Lael

They're wonderful to babies. Justice was half the size of both my cats. Only the one who hated children protected her and guarded her bassinet. If she cried, he'd come get someone, too. Whenever she started running a fever, he would come out of her room, where he watched over her even after she got older, and cry to let us know she was sick. He always warned us when she had a fever. Febrile seizures happen in babies when their thermostats work too well. Justice would run 107° to 108° easily, Brad hated cats until that. :-)

Tally, 9, was daddy's baby looooong before Kendall arrived ~ thanks to Ryan for sharing.

Visiting Grandma for the first time: "Kendall and Reeses got along famously. He was very calm around her. Whenever she saw him, she smiled and reached out her hand to pat him. It was adorable."

Jake is the protector of any and all of my grandchildren; when they are here he sleeps with them. Auntie Sheeba (below) and Uncle Jake take turns sleeping in front of Jessica's crib. Sheeba usually posts herself by the crib, Jake at the door to her room. They will not go out at the same time unless Susan (Jessica's mommy) has her in her arms - they think Jessica is their pup.

Grandma Nina continues: When Susan was pregnant with Jessica, Sheeba put herself between Susan and a timber rattler, while one of our other dogs lunged at the snake drawing its attention to himself instead of Susan. The snake struck at Honey Boy but thankfully missed him.

Honey and three others were thrown away on our very rural and very sparsely populated road. He is a real honey of a dog.

Pet savvy Madison loves helping with the family animal sitting business: http://www.creaturecomfortsinc.com ~ her specialty is socializing puppies. Madison was part of the existing pack from day one, learning the proper way to greet and treat all animals. "Many of our clients are amazed to see how well Madison is able to interact with their pets, some who have had little or no contact with children at all." She even helped one dog get over a fear of children.

Pup Fluke and Belle, an English mastiff, are members of the "Zoo Crew" at home.

Belle's survival story, "A Heart that Wouldn't be Broken," (http://www.creaturecomfortsinc.com/BellesStory-Print.htm) is nothing less than astounding; and it will be a shock to anyone not involved with rescue. Unfortunately, no matter what we've seen, we know it won't be long until somebody else comes up with a whole new form of abuse. Oh, who cares anyway? It's just a dumb animal. Cruelty laws exist, but nobody bothers to prosecute. A slap on the wrist is the usual punishment. No big deal, until ... the person who should have received maximum jail time, and a fine, goes on to take his or her problems out on a child. Happens every day, learn what you can do: http://www.therealmartha.com/rescue/index.htm. Also see the end of this page.

Some good news ~ the now very grand lady Belle is set to be the Belle of the Ball as honored guest and Grand Marshalette for the Rescues Parade at the Furkid Funfair: http://www.therealmartha.com/FurkidFunfair/index.htm

Have no idea who these two are, has to be one of the most precious shots ever.

Rusty is looking at Matthew (the preemie in comments above) in total adoration, or that's what it looks like to me. Someone else said it looks like Rusty wants to know when it's his turn to play with the Game Boy ~ Lael

Nobody told Rusty and Squeaky they couldn't be friends. Matt rescued Squeaky right before he was about to be a snake's lunch.

JW Bubba, editor and publisher of The Flamingo Times, with his first best buddy Tubby. As could be expected, the sweet kid pictured grew up to be a genuinely nice guy, recently giving my foster dog Buddy a big hunk of coverage in the newsy. Thanks again JW, definitely over and above!

The Times is published weekly on Thursdays, give or take a day. Mailed by request to anyone who loves good cooking, fun, and a laugh here and there. Read archives: http://www.topica.com/lists/flamingotimes/read

Joey is one of 26 kangaroos protected on private property. Karla is a volunteer wildlife caregiver. Daughter Ginger is one kid who'll always know respect for animals. The family's interest in animals also extends to pet shrines:
http://www.eternalwebspots.com/EternalShrines.aspx?Display=MoreWebSpots
Check out a neat variety of e-cards and specialty certificates for people too ~ kids and babies section coming soon.

Bobby thought of his new buddy's name all by himself. The puppy was born at a pond where Bobby and his daddy go fishing. When I asked Bobby what he was naming his puppy, he thought for about five seconds and said, "Fisher." Maybe it's just me, but I thought that was pretty darn good for a 5-year old! ~ Kathy
http://www.expressivestationery.com/dogs.html
Mom's free stationery site, lots of categories

Rescued chow, Bubba Knight and Jade High, yes she dressed him up ~ Sue Knight, grandmother. "Our home is now blessed with four rescued furkids, Jade's home is full of rescued cats, five at last count."

"Suzie" and her first furry companion, Jimbo, "He was a gift to my mom before I came along. He was already 3 and I took him over."

At age 5, Jade drew the above for T-shirts and flyers used by the Richardson (Texas) Humane Society: www.richardsonhumanesociety.org
Granny Sue has fostered for RHS and recently started her own non-profit organization: http://www.friendsofshelteranimals.org/, concentrating on spay/neuter education and funding assistance, including medical emergencies. FOSA also assists other local shelters with training and adoptions.

The budding artist's work is also featured here: http://www.therealmartha.com/Guest%20Art/index.htm

Granny sez anyone is welcome to use Jade's contribution as it is intended, helping all of us rescue folks preach S/N as often as possible. =)

Hear, hear Sue, can never have too many sermons! Lots more graphics to grab here too: http://www.therealmartha.com/spayneuter/index.htm

gizandeddiekissing.jpg (21593 bytes)

Giz gives his new baby brudder Eddie a kiss
Visit Giz and the rest of the gang, starting here: http://gemsofmyheart.com/

The little goofball on his back is my new baby Shugee (Sugar Baby) ~ watch for a link to millions more tug-o-war and wrestling pics, and the story of how he joined the family. That's Scoopy's original Chewapalooza they're sharing, a toy we invented after Scoop gave us the idea. See link below if you have a pup teething or a manic chewer ~ as in eating furniture, walls, etc., etc., which is why Scoopy was dumped at the shelter just in time for us to find him. All sales benefit animal welfare.

Bottles, Blankets, Babies And Your Four-Legged Best Friend

By Dr. Karen Halligan, spcaLA Director of Veterinary Services

The miracle of childbirth will change your life forever. And someone else's life will be changed as well -- your pet's.

If a dog or cat has been the "only child" in the household, introducing a new baby to the family can turn his or her world upside down. It can add a tremendous amount of stress to his or her otherwise carefree and pampered life.

Being a new parent will bring hours of happiness but stressful moments as well. Planning ahead and preparing your pets for the new addition is paramount. One of the big reasons dogs and cats end up at shelters is lack of preparation for this life-changing event. With a little bit of effort and planning you can help your pets not only adjust to their new family member but create a loving relationship that will last a lifetime.

Here's how to make it a delightful journey.

Preparation is key

Start preparing for "the big day" well in advance. Gradually modifying your lifestyle will help your pets adjust.
Play a tape of baby cries and other common infant noises so your pet gets familiar with the sound.
Socialize your pets, ahead of time, with friends who have children and infants.
Make sure your pets are spayed and neutered. This will help reduce any aggression problems.
Have all pets checked by your veterinarian and make sure their stool is checked for parasites.
Practice walking your dog with a stroller before you actually have an infant around.
Try establishing your new walking routine early on. Anticipate when you will be walking your dog.
Try to get your pets used to being handled with a child's heavy hand. Try touching their ears and tails more often.
Wrap a doll in towels and carry it around the house.
Check your home carefully for fleas, ticks and mites.

Bringing your baby home

Acquaint your pet with the scent of the baby by putting the baby's blanket on the ground and letting the pet sniff it.
Try not to make a big deal out of the initial meeting of your baby and the pet.
Take your dog for a good long walk prior to the arrival of the baby.
Make sure your dog is on a leash when introducing it to the baby.
NEVER leave your pet alone with the baby. Supervise the pet while it has a chance to explore and take in the new odors and sounds.
Remember, your pet, who was used to a lot of attention, will feel confused and jealous if you focus only on the new baby. Give your pet attention and include it in all the fuss.
Do not leave the door open to the nursery. Cats will investigate and may even find the crib a cozy place to sleep.

This is your chance to help develop a very special bond between your pets and your baby. Often, pets become your baby's best friend and guardian. This friendship develops over the years, as both child and pet grow and change. A little bit of knowledge can go a long way in creating this loving bond.

OK, so NBC can sue me, no doubt I'll be losing sleep worrying. One thing to add to above sniff-blanket advice. Bring something, anything, from the hospital with the baby's scent before baby gets home.

Q & A dog confused about new baby: http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/column/20081130.php - Posted November 30, 2008 (check archives after December '08)

From http://www.rexanne.com/baby-safety.html:

When I became pregnant with my first child, at least half the people we knew asked when I was going to "get rid of the cats." Uhmmm ... I wasn't planning on getting rid of our current babies anymore than I was planning on getting rid of the one residing in my belly, thank you very much. One of our cats loved kids, the other one positively hated them. Turned out the one who hated kids fell in love with my daughter the minute he met her (upon entering the house we put her on the floor in her carrier to 'meet' them) and he guarded her bassinet like a dragon protecting a captured princess. He never hurt her once in the seven years he was with us and he adored my younger daughter from birth as well. The cat who loved kids? He was the baby in the family before daughter number one arrived and took immediate offense and resented her greatly, however, he never dreamed of hurting her. Probably because his older brother would have snapped his head off if he tried.

Dogs and cats are usually very adaptable and will embrace the little one with loving devotion, however, if Fritz or Mimi is left out of the loop and forced to take a major back seat to baby (read: intruder! to your pet), you could have a potential problem on your hands. Best to understand a dog or cat's view point before catastrophe strikes. Please read as much as you can about this issue before you bring baby home. It will set the record straight and make everyone's life easier and safer, including your pet's.

More good general info: http://www.rexanne.com/babies.html

Another good idea, from http://www.detnews.com/2004/lifestyle/0405/22/e18-159132.htm by Dr. Michael Fox

Purchase a life-like baby doll that cries when tilted, swaddle it, pretend to nurse it and get your companion animals well-habituated before the real baby arrives.

When that day comes, let them see and sniff the baby, praise them and always give them extra attention between diaper changes and feedings so that they don’t feel displaced.

Let them into the baby’s room only when you are there and keep a net over the top of the crib for good measure to keep the cat out.

Some animals do get upset when babies cry, so keep your cool and reassure the animals that the baby is OK.

Never leave the baby (or, when he or she is older, the toddler) alone with any animal.

DOs and DON'Ts from Parenting Magazine

Whether your family pet hangs out at home with your child or joins in on playdates, here's how Sarah Wilson, co-author of Childproofing Your Dog, says you can help kids and pups to get along safely:

Do teach your tot good games to play with his furry friend, like fetch, hide-and-seek, or some other fun tricks that both dogs and kids like.

Don't let your child play games that encourage your dog to be rough with him, like tug o' war or wrestling.

Do provide a safe haven — perhaps a crate or gated room — where you can put your pet if he's overwhelmed by your child's exuberance.

Don't allow your child to interact with your dog in the dog's safe spot.

Do talk to your vet if your dog growls at your child: This can be a sign of aggression. Immediately consult a dog trainer to improve his behavior.

Don't let your child threaten the dog's security — for example, by bothering him while he's eating.

Do use praise and treats to teach your pet to accept surprises like tail grabbing and fur pulling — a dog that accepts such treatment with a wagging tail is a safer companion.

Don't allow your child to hug the dog: Hugging is not natural to dogs, and some can get upset by the action.

Do show your child how to behave with the dog — "Let's leave Lassie alone while she eats" — and praise your child for treating his pet nicely.

Don't insist that your tot and dog interact. Never hold a reluctant dog in your lap to be petted by your child, for instance. Let them make friends on their own — with your supervision. -- Cherie Langlois

What about visiting? A friend told me her dog had growled at kids a few times when they'd been out walking. Plus, "I am wondering how he is going to act with my granddaughter's toys. He loves stuffed animals, when he sees one he thinks it's his. He may be spending a lot of time outside."

My (Martha)suggestions: Try not to ignore him too much, he could put two and two together and really get bent. In fact, daughter and hubby should make a huge deal over dog and then ask him if it's OK to bring the baby in. I'm not kidding. They pick up a lot by tone of voice. Wouldn't be a bad idea to bring in the baby bag first, and maybe something else that has her scent. Won't be such a shock if he has a few minutes to get used to whole idea.

I hate to see parents pulling a kid away from an animal. That automatically instills a fear that will stick for a lifetime unless kids are exposed in a positive way by someone else. Make it your business to do that. Animals are natural kid magnets, I don't particularly like kids but somebody has to teach them the right way to approach a strange animal, and humane behavior in general.

If nobody stops a kid pulling the wings off a butterfly, that kid is going to find something else to torture, progressively "bigger and better" and has a real good chance of ending up on death row. Check the statistics, then check into volunteering for local humane society education programs. You could also ask about taking your own friendly dog to visit classrooms, especially in areas where kids might only see big scary guard dogs.

Watch A & E's schedule for "The Cruelty Connection" documentary, "Law enforcement agents investigate the possibility that violent criminals often begin their life of deviant behavior by treating animals cruelly, then later learn to lash out at humans. We also hear from FBI agents who believe that some animal abusers eventually develop into serial killers."

Nothing new to anyone in rescue, nonetheless progress finally making it to TV. You can also search online resources, type in cruelty+connection.

"Of all the creatures, man is the most detestable. Of the entire brood, he is the only one that possesses malice. He is the only creature that inflicts pain for sport, knowing it to be pain. The fact that man knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to the other creatures; but the fact that he can do wrong proves his moral inferiority to any creature that cannot." - Mark Twain