Hay - so I guess I'm 'nesting'. I have two Chihuahuas right now, and I've been looking for another Chihuahua puppy. I can't stop looking at animals, and wanting kittens and puppies...even fish. Ha. I'm just wondering if anybody has experience with pets AFTER the baby's born? My Chihuahuas are for the most part REALLY low maintenance compared to a big dog...they don't really need walks or anything like that - but should I hold out on getting a Chihuahua puppy until after the baby's a little older? I'd have my fiance around to help with everything so it's not like I'd be doing it by myself.

Just wondering about any of your experiences with pets and babies.

I have two dogs, they are medium sized; I also have a cat, but he lives outside and only comes inside to cuddle. I have no desire to get any more animals and in fact have become more critical of my pets, to be honest. I keep thinking about how unclean it is to keep animals inside the house, especially with the baby crawling around on the floor. Just the thought of letting my dog outside, then him coming back inside with a flea on him....yuck!

Although my dogs previously had their little space in my home, with a loveseat all to themselves, I have recently decided to make them outside dogs. They are allowed in the garage, and I put their loveseat out there for them to sleep on, and I feed them in the garage as well. But mostly they spend their time outside laying in the sun and they seem mostly happy.

I just can't keep the animals inside the house in good conscience.

I cannot imagine having to train a new puppy AND take care of a new baby. That's just my opinion of course, so take it with a grain of salt.

Maybe hold off and wait, you are going to be tired and have your hands full with a new baby soon! Its up to you though! I find myself wanting puppies and kittens too, I think its pregnancy that does that to you lol! I have refrained from buying another puppy so far, we have a 6 month old rottweiler and three kids already so I knew that would be too much at once!

I would wait but I do think there is a positive side to getting a puppy now. You would have a chance to learn the puppie's personality and habits before introducing your baby. You wouldn't want to get a puppy that you find out would do something harmful to the baby. Also you would get the potty training out of the way before hand and feel better knowing your baby wouldn't have a chance of being around random dog poo in the future I would either do it now or when the baby is a year old or so. But since you already have 2 I would consider waiting. But not in between. I worry about my dog being jealous. I'm not exaggerating when I say she is my sidekick. She is literally by my side no matter where I go and she's sucha mama's girl!

We have three cats. One of them follows me around the house. She could be sound asleep on the couch but if I get up to go in another room she's right behind me. LOL She might be a little jealous of the baby at first but I don't think the other two will be bothered by it at all.