Pets influence on our lives

I grew up with three incredible dogs. I never thought I could love another dog after losing them. My husband and were set up with each other as fellow dog lovers–knew we would eventually adopt a dog, but assumed we would wait until we had kids. 

However, having kids wasn’t easy for us. But we both had an intense, unfulfilled desire to love and be “mommy and daddy” to someone. 

One day, as we were heading out on a hike, we took a fateful detour. We stopped at the mall where the local shelter, Orphans of the Storm, had adoptable dogs. That’s when I saw her. 

Her name was Sally Sue, but when I saw the brindle beauty with reddish hair, I knew she was my Scarlett. She had the same big brown eyes as my first dog…but she was so scared. She had recently had puppies, but they were nowhere to be found. She needed love, and I had so much to give. 

During my infertility journey, I only wanted to isolate at home. However, Scarlett needed to be walked and to socialize. She cuddled me, and I would tell her that I was her mommy. She was everything I needed.

I got pregnant within a month of adopting her. She would lay on my belly and sniff it–until she suddenly stopped. Then my 12-week ultrasound revealed that I lost the baby.

I, then, started IVF with her by my side. She was with me for every shot, and every emotion, always so gentle. 

Then, one day, she laid on my belly again. That day, I found out that I was pregnant with my daughter. Scarlett never left my belly during my entire pregnancy. 

When we brought my daughter, Betty, home, Scarlett went straight for the car seat, and kissed her face. She never left Betty after that moment. Scarlett played on Betty’s playmat with her, never went near her stuffed animals, and napped in between the bassinet and me. As Betty grew, Scarlett started sleeping in her room before coming into my room to sleep. 

When my son, Nathan, was born, Scarlett helped me navigate being the mother of two (human) children. She would let me know if my son woke up while Betty and I were playing in another room. 

Every Mother’s Day, I thank Scarlett for not only being my first baby, but for being my co-mama, too. I am so thankful for the detour I took that day. We needed each other, and I am so grateful we found one another.

Dana Fine is a licensed acupuncturist in Glenview. She lives with her husband, two human children, and two dog children.