Newborn joy

Occasionally, I volunteer as a dog walker at the Humane Society. While there is a variety, for the most part the dogs are large and rambunctious; dogs that are difficult to handle and therefore are turned in. The Humane Society has a pretty comprehensive system of ensuring people are prepared to adopt a pet, but things don't always work out. Our current rescue dog was ostensibly turned in due to owner "allergies," but once we brought her home things became clearer; for a while her nickname was "Hyper Piper." Fortunately, we were prepared to manage her: we'd had dogs before, we had a large yard, we could afford vet bills, etc.
          Friends of ours just became first-time grandparents, and watching their son and his wife capably manage their newborn made me reflect on the lack of training most of us have when we take home a new baby.

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