Bringing home our new baby, Shane, was one of the most exciting moments of our lives. But as first-time parents of both a baby and a fur baby, we knew the transition had to be smooth for everyone—especially for Grizzy, our loyal pup who has been our shadow since day one.

We took some thoughtful steps to ensure that Grizzy felt involved and loved during this big life change. Here’s how we navigated the first few days of this beautiful journey—and how Northwest Naturals played a starring role in keeping the peace (and the snacks flowing!).

Preparing Grizzy for Baby Shane

Before Shane’s big arrival, we introduced Grizzy to his scent. My husband brought home a baby blanket from the hospital so Grizzy could sniff and familiarize himself with this “new addition.” We placed the blanket on his bed, allowing him to lounge and relax while getting used to the smell of his soon-to-be sibling.

To make the experience extra enjoyable, we paired the blanket introduction with one of Grizzy’s favorite Northwest Naturals enrichment toys. While he chewed and licked away, we let him lay on the blanket to create a positive association with Shane’s scent.

The First Meet & Greet

When the time came for us to bring Shane home, we were ready. Armed with a pouch of Northwest Naturals treats, we wanted Grizzy to feel like this was a celebration—not an intrusion. As we carried Shane into the house, Grizzy was far more interested in the treats than the baby.

We gently encouraged Grizzy to approach Shane for a sniff, but he had other priorities—those Northwest Naturals snacks were just too irresistible. Instead of forcing a meeting, we let them coexist naturally. Grizzy’s calm demeanor reassured us, and we focused on settling into our new routine as parents.

Stocking Up for Success

One of the best decisions we made before Shane arrived was prepping plenty of Northwest Naturals enrichments ahead of time. From stuffed topple toys to frozen treats, we had a stockpile ready for Grizzy when we returned from the hospital. This not only kept him entertained during those hectic first days but also ensured he never felt overlooked.

Maintaining Grizzy’s Routine

We made a point to keep Grizzy’s routine as normal as possible. Walks, playtime, and cuddles remained a priority, even as we navigated sleepless nights and diaper changes. While he was initially unsure about sharing his walking paths with a stroller, he quickly adapted.

Now, Grizzy and Shane have settled into life as housemates. While Grizzy is still largely indifferent to Shane, we know that their bond will grow as Shane gets older. We can already picture the two of them running around the yard, playing fetch, and sharing endless snacks—because what’s better than a boy and his pup?

Final Thoughts

If you’re preparing to bring home a new baby to a home with a fur baby, our biggest advice is to plan ahead and shower your pup with love and attention. Incorporating enrichment toys and treats, like those from Northwest Naturals, can help create a stress-free transition for everyone involved.

Grizzy might not have fallen head over paws for Shane just yet, but we’re confident their bond will blossom in time. For now, we’re soaking up every moment as a family of four—and making sure Grizzy gets plenty of treats and cuddles along the way.