Here at Rover-Time, we are on a bit of a baby kick. Maybe it’s the awesome warm weather bringing out all the strollers that has us thinking about the baby-dog relationship. I don’t have a baby of my own, but I have a nephew, Arlo, who is just under 1 year old. I’m fortunate that my brother and sister-in-law live close by so I can hang with the ‘Lo on the regs.

Arlo and Squash have met several times now and it can be a tense situation not knowing exactly how either one will react to each other at any second. After reading Kiki’s and Julia’s blogs this month, I have a better sense for how to manage the space when they are together (I need lots more frozen Kongs!) and I’ll be more cautious when they are within arms/mouth reach, especially now that Arlo is on the verge of walking.

Despite the dangers of close encounters of the baby-dog kind, I love to observe the uncanny similarities between the two “species”. They have so much in common. Sadly, neither one is self-aware enough to bond over the things that bring them both joy.

This got me thinking, what if Arlo and Squash could have a conversation – Look Who’s Talking style? (Cue Wayne’s World dream sequence dissolve)

Arlo: Yo, Squash.
Squash: Yeah, I’m Squash.
A: What are you chewing on?
S: Oh I found this piece of paper and I’m trying to make more of them. So far I’ve made 35 smaller pieces of paper.
A: Lookin’ good. I also love pulling paper off tables and putting it in my mouth. And howabout that fun crinkly sound paper makes?
S: Yeah! If only paper squeaked. Can you imagine if paper squeaked??
A: I’d make a house out of squeaky paper.
S: I’d rip that squeaky paper house into a million pieces in 5 minutes.
A: I’d help you!
S: My mom would not be very happy though.
A: Mine neither, but all I have to do is smile and burp. That usually wins her over.
S: Totally. If I look guilty and put my ears back, my head down and wag my tail real slow, my mom forgives me. She’ll even come over and give me a belly rub.
A: What else do you like to gnaw on?
S: Pens.
A: Hands.
S: Recycling.
A: I haven’t tried recycling. Maybe when I start walking. How about sunglasses? I love chewing on sunglasses.
S: Yeah, but I chewed on my mom’s favorite pair once, so I stopped that.
A: Well, maybe she should stop leaving things around the house.
S: I know, right?! What am I supposed to do when there’s a hairbrush on the edge of a table?
A: Hang on…errrrr….I have to poop.
S: I have the same pooping face!
Together: Twinsies! *high five*
S: My two favorite things about going on walks is pooping and hearing people say how cute I look.
A: You wouldn’t even believe how many chicks coo over me when I’m in public.
S: I can believe it. Look at those cheeks!
A: Well, your huge ears are undeniable.
S: Aw, stop….what else?
A: Well, at least you’ll always be cute. One day I’m going to grow up and look like my dad.
S: He’s a pretty cool dad.
A: I know. We’ve got it pretty good, hunh?
S: No doubt.
A: I’m tired. I’m going to nap now.
S: I was thinking the same thing.

Don’t tell me I’m the only one who has mimicked conversations with their pets and babies. The sheer number of feelings I have projected onto Squash is ridiculous. But that’s the fun of having a dog (or a baby).

While dogs and babies shouldn’t mingle, I enjoy having them both around for much the same reasons: their adorableness.

How about you…

Do you make up conversations with your pets and/or babies?
Do you give your baby/pet a certain voice when they “talk”?
What’s the biggest similarity and dissimilarity you see between babies and dogs?

Katy comes with an advertising background and a Master’s in Social Psychology, so she can basically read your mind. She’s also the proud parent of a sweet, smart, energetic “borador” named Squash (aka Squasharina, aka Squashinator, aka Squishy). Katy helps manage Marketing and Operations at Rover-Time with Julia.