Jonathan and Boo

After having Boo for about a year and a half now, I can't even imagine how life would be without her. Actually, I just don't want to because it would be awful. It didn't take Jonathan long at all to learn Boo was his means of going somewhere. In the beginning, I wouldn't say he was emotionally attached to her, but was still very eager to be harnessed to her because he knew what that meant. However, in the last several months, Jonathan's relationship with Boo has evolved.

Jonathan and Boo are definitely attached to each other now. Jonathan loves to play outside with Boo (with Mommy supervising of course). He has recently taken an interest in playing ball with her. Having the developmental level of a toddler, Jonathan doesn't throw very well. Boo doesn't mind, though. Somehow she makes that run four feet away seem much further as she puts on a show for Jonathan. He also tries to love on her much more often these days. He still hasn't quite figured out how to show affection. Jonathan will grab Boo's face and push his head against hers. I standby just incase he gets too rough. It's so rewarding to see Jonathan loving on his dog, even if I do have to stop him on occasion for Boo's safety.

It's amazing how easy life seems these days. We have five kids in our house from infant to teenager, so that's saying a lot! Boo has learned her role in our family quite well. She knows when we are out in public she keeps Jonathan walking and from running away. Before Boo, he would try to run in parking lots or hit the floor the second we walked in a store because of all the sensory input. I am thrilled that she now has more of a relationship with Jonathan at home as well. She plays with him and follows him around. She tolerates his aggressiveness long enough for me to intervene. Jonathan will probably always require close adult supervision because of his developmental level and aggressive tendencies, but Boo makes it possible for us to live our lives instead of always being housebound dealing with behavior issues.