The Grandpuppy

It's a new wave hitting Millenial's parents, or rather Baby Boomers:  The Grandpuppy.

Many Millenials are forgoing children in their twenties, and some even completely, and opting instead for a fluffy baby.  Their new either purchased from a breeder or adopted baby becomes the talk of the family, the pride and joy of the "grandparents".  Baby photos are often swapped for portraits of parents and puppy, puppy dressed in holiday gear, and even some appearing in engagement and wedding photos. 

The grandparents are equally enthused.  One woman became overtly giddy upon describing her pride about becoming a "grandparent," noting the new addition would get along greatly with her husband and her current dog.  "Would my dog be the aunt?" she asked me.  And it posed a rather interesting conundrum.  What is that relationship?  Or is it negligible at best?

And then, of course, as grandparents do, the new grandpuppy must be overly spoiled!  Think new toys, top-of-the-line crates, multiple dog treat options for when the puppy comes to visit, and, of course, some even compete for "nannying" rights when the parents are away on business or vacation!  Others simply rejoice for the times the spend together, but don't necessarily berate the parents for visiting times and playdates.

But these new parents certainly spare no expenses for their fluffy babies!  Dog sitting services are the newest craze, catering to everything from simple daily walks to overnights, potty and crate training, and even extended-stay care, one company will keep the dog for up to a month!  If Millenials are pushing back starting a family, these trial run periods with their four-legged alternates are certainly providing great insight to later baby-dom, even though they are not perfect mirrors, I'm sure.

Either way, we are seeing more changes in the family "unit".  And the Millenials and Baby Boomers are, again, leading the way.