A Boy and His Puppy

Sometimes I scratch my head and wonder if I'm sane. What we were thinking getting a puppy when we had a one-year old? At other times, it's really fun to watch the two interact. Our son, whom I call Nature Boy, loves being outside. Our puppy, Henry, is overly exuberant and wants to be anywhere Nature Boy is. So little Nature Boy is learning how to deal with a bigger creature who wants to play rough.
Nature Boy is learning that he can distract Henry. When he's nice it's by giving him a stick or leaf. When he's not so nice, it's by pulling his tail or an ear. I call Henry frequently to get him to back off, but I figure it's good for me to be quiet sometimes to let the two of them work it out.

Nature Boy tries to get away, but Henry is quite a bit faster. Crawling just isn't adapted for high speeds! I think having a puppy will get Nature Boy walking faster, and we've noticed quite an improvement in just the last week.
Nature Boy feels confident that he's getting away. He tries to crawl faster.

But the feeling is short-lived. I love his expression! Note the dirt stains around his mouth. 

Mom helps him out and he's able to get upright. He's safe for the moment, regaining his strength for the next match. He keeps his eye on his quarry. Maybe someday they'll be good friends.