“Welcoming New Life Without Saying Goodbye”

The First Child: A Jack Russell Terrier’s Place in a Growing Family

Bringing a newborn home is a life-changing moment for any family. The excitement, the sleepless nights, the new routines—it all creates a whirlwind of emotions and adjustments. But for some, the arrival of a baby has become an excuse to give up their beloved dogs, as if pets and babies simply cannot coexist.

I want to share a story that stands as a powerful reminder that this doesn’t have to be the case.

Meet the family of a 15-year-old Jack Russell Terrier—an age that already speaks volumes about the love and care he has received throughout his life. This dog wasn’t just a pet. He was the first child, the first heartbeat in that home before any human sibling arrived.

When the couple welcomed their human children—two boys and a girl—this Jack Russell didn’t lose his place. Instead, he became their protector, their guardian, their constant companion.

He watches over his human brothers and sister with the same loyalty and devotion that many parents have. He senses their needs, comforts them when they’re upset, and greets them with joy every time they come home. He’s woven into the fabric of their family, an irreplaceable thread.

So when I hear people say, “We had to give up our dog because we had a baby,” or, “The doctor advised us,” I feel a deep sadness.

There are no excuses good enough to abandon a pet who has loved you unconditionally. Pets are family, just like children. They deserve respect, love, and a place in your heart—even when life changes.

This story is a celebration of that truth: that pets and babies can thrive together. That love grows, expands, and makes room for all family members—furred or not.

If you’re welcoming a newborn, remember this Jack Russell and his family. Let it remind you that your pets were your first children and will always be part of your family story.

Never abandon your pets. They are family. And love has enough space for all of us.