Parallels: We Watch Toddler Myla, 3; and Big Dog Kobe, 4

     

Steve and Myla on the train at the Blank Park Zoo.

    Call me crazy, but I found some similarities recently after we watched our granddaughter, Myla Rodewald, age 3 and subsequently Kobe, a Golden Retriever owned by a grandson.

    Both experiences were engaging and needed effort. 

    Both were also worth every moment.

    Myla's mother, our daughter Kirstin, had twin babies five weeks early and the toddler could not enter the hospital. Consequently she needed her grandparents to help. Beautiful Myla is full of energy, has a stubborn streak, and knows what she wants and when she wants it.

    Kobe's family members went north on vacation to Lake Pokegama in Grand Rapids, Minn. and he needed a safe place to stay for a week. Kobe is kind of a "teenager" dog; lots of energy and questionable judgment.

    Thoughts that follow:

    1. Obviously, you need to keep a close eye on both a toddler and a visiting dog.

    Myla moves fast and it's necessary to keep up to keep her safe. When she's outdoors with me, she often starts to run around the block. Luckily, I can tail her successfully. 

    Isn't that the case with most toddlers, however?

    Kobe also might move fast, especially if he spots a person or a dog in the vicinity. He effusively jumps or lunges to greet the newcomer. That puts some strain on the arm of the person holding back this 120-pound canine.

    2. Both can be picky eaters.

    Myla eats all kinds of food but not at the same time or place. She used to love breakfast, as one example, but nowadays that might change on a dime. She generally wants something to eat in the morning but I won't let her feast on Cheetos.

    Kobe has a set diet although he was off his food for much of the week he was with us. He'd graze, a bit, and sometimes ate it all at once. I'd provide the food about 7 a.m. and he might finish it about 10 p.m.

    3. Dogs and toddlers need regular exercise, or something to do.

    Myla got to visit her favorite place in Des Moines -- the Blank Park Zoo -- not once but twice. We also took her to an indoor playground in Ankeny where there are bouncy houses and slides. She also loves fruit  Smoothies, and we found a fun place on Ankeny Boulevard.

    Kobe got several walks every day. We could not let him run into the lake in our neighborhood; he had done that, once, and was it was very difficult to "save" the wet dog. So he was walked on a leash, including on our daily two-mile walk at Scott County Park. He slept deeply every night.

    4. Both are messy.

    Myla is exuberant as she plays with toys, games, reads books and so forth.

    Kobe has a thick golden coat. He is a beautiful dog but that hair sheds. 

    5. Each loves to be right where you need to step.

    This was especially evident with Kobe, who found the darnedest places to perch. 

    I wouldn't change a minute of either experience!

Kobe on his furry blanket
in the living room of our home.