Parenting

It's good practice having a pet to see what Jia Wern and I will be like as parents in future.

Although none of it is a surprise, since I already knew I'd have to be the bad cop and he, the good cop. =P

Anyway, it's super apparent with Jasmine. I set boundaries so that she doesn't get used to being spoiled, such as insisting she finishes her kibble before I give her any fresh wet food. I also insist that she sleeps on the dog bed instead of curling up in bed with us at night (she loves snuggling with us on the human bed so she tries to wiggle out of that one sometimes). I don't think I'm being unnecessarily strict - it's important for her not to get used to habits that might not be sustainable over the long run or if she'll need to be dog-sitted at some point. For example, if she makes it a habit to hop into bed with us at night, I would probably suffer from having not enough space to move around and also from stiffness because I don't want to move and rouse her. Don't worry, I make up for it by snuggling and cuddling with her once we wake up. =P

Jia Wern, on the other hand, loves indulging her. He's always asking if he can give her a treat. She also doesn't listen to his commands to "Drop it" when she's playing fetch with us, even though she usually obeys my commands. He thinks it's because he's unable to muster up the fierceness and firmness that I say it with. =P Nevertheless, it's still endearing to see him as smitten with her as I am. Jasmine loves hopping onto his lap and sitting there more than she does mine, and I suspect that's because he has sturdier and more comfy thighs. She also likes playing with him more than she does me, probably because he's more fun and thrilling when it comes to play.

It's fun to figure out the way we handle things and talk about them when a new variable is introduced in our relationship. I'd say it's a great idea to adopt a pet and see the different facets of your spouse when it comes to raising something together. However, all love is costly; be prepared for vet bills, pet fees, and travelling arrangements. I'd say she's my most expensive Christmas present so far, but she's so worth it. <3


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