[Britster]

I think it would make a HUGE difference if I was mother to a real baby (lol) at the same time. I really like being able to focus so much on Jackson, and not having a kid to worry about... I think it'd be different if I was busy being a mom at the same time, though I know he would still be a huge part of my family... I do think it'd be different. I lived with my young sister when I got Jackson as a pup - he was 9 weeks, she was about 8 months old and it was hard just living there and she wasn't even MY responsibility. So I can imagine the stress of a baby and a young puppy. But it was also cool at the same time, because those 2 have grown up together, and now that they're both older... it's really sweet to see that they are also best buds! Either way, I look forward very much to going thru all of life's changes with Jackson. I've always been through so much with him (got him at 18, am now going on 22). It's a really cool thing... he's "MY" first dog, so I think he will ALWAYS hold a VERY special place in my heart. Like I said, he's literally my best friend. As much as I loved my childhood dogs, nothing compares to the love I feel for this little guy. And I could never view him as just a pet, he's truly FAMILY.