The New Normal: David and Bryan Had a Dog?

I didn't have high hopes for this episode. I'm not really a pet person and have always struggled to understand the bonds that television characters seem to have with their pets, particularly dogs. But, though I don't actually see myself paying thousands for a cat's operation, I completely comprehended how David and Bryan were feeling as they juggled the needs of Harvey Milkbone (such a funny name, by the way!) and Goldie. Regardless, I'm really starting to wonder what is going to keep this series going after Goldie has the baby... the "family unit" is a bit strained as it is, and the disappearance and reappearance of Clay and Jane is sporadic. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be a long-running show? I don't want to jinx it, as I really do like it, but how's it all going to work...?

The New Normal "Dog Children" (S01E16): David and Bryan got a puppy nine months ago that has gotten sick. [how much have we heard about this dog in past episodes? I can only think of one where a dog was even mentioned!] They take it to the vet, who says it could be serious. David immediately agrees to surgery (the situation could quickly take a turn for the worst), but Bryan wants to try medication first. David freaks out when the medicine is ten minutes late, but, fortunately, it works. [I completely see David being like that about a baby, too!] David is worried that he jumped to surgery too quickly, but soon after the medicine was working the dog passed away, hit by a car when he was being walked. [one of those freak things! or just an easy way to write off the pooch...] Bryan goes to talk to his priest, who helps him realize how many people are in his life.

Vivian Zink/NBC

Meanwhile, Goldie has issues with Clay. See, she's in the "aroused" stage of pregnancy, making for an awkward situation at Shania's school. The principal just wanted to stop Shania from doing a disturbing Maggie Smith impression, but Goldie envisions him shirtless. The situation continues as Goldie sees Clay as hott when he parents Shania, telling her to stop acting like other people to escape the reality that her family is not together. [I kinda wish a bigger deal was made out of this situation... kinda a big deal to bring that concern to light, no?] Well, Goldie decides to get intimate with Clay, but wakes up with cramps and heads to the hospital. It turns out to only be Braxton-Hicks contractions, not uncommon for someone 29 weeks along. [I guess she didn't experience those when she was pregnant with Shania?]