The New Normal Episode 1.16 Dod Children

Becoming doggy daddies taught David and Bryan how to love something outside of themselves. So naturally, Bryan has reason for concern when one of their beloved dogs, Harvey Milkbone, starts exhibiting unusual symptoms. They rush him to the vet and learn that Harvey's abdomen is dangerously bloated. The vet recommends operating immediately, which David supports, but Bryan insists that they give him some medication and see if the swelling goes down. David concedes, and the two wait anxiously while Harvey remains under observation.

Goldie's disheartened to learn from Shania's vice principal that her daughter's Maggie Smith impression has gone from quirky to disruptive. This behavior is pretty typical of Shania, and Goldie reprimands her daughter for taking the act too far. But Shania's dad Clay surprises Goldie by laying down the law. He point out that her game of dress up is really part of a bigger issue - she's trying to escape reality, because reality hurts when the whole family isn't together.

Meanwhile, in the vet waiting room, Bryan and David get a taste of the fears of parenting as they anxiously wait to see if the medication works out for Harvey. Bryan has a bit of a breakdown, screaming at the veterinary assistants about the status of his poor pup. Eventually Harvey's doctor emerges with some great news: It's just gas - Harvey is safe! They'll just be keeping him overnight for observation.

Goldie's pregnancy hormones are acting up, and Clay's take-charge parenting skills have Goldie all hot and bothered. She invites Clay to stay for dinner, and that soon turns into him spending the night! When Goldie wakes up in the middle of the night with stomach pains, Clay is there to rush her to the hospital. Bryan and David arrive, terrified for Goldie and their child, but are put at ease to learn that it's just a case of Braxton-Hicks contractions. But their relief is cut short by a heartbreaking call from the vet - Harvey Milkbone was hit by a car and passed away.

Harvey's death takes a toll on Bryan and David, especially since it takes on a deeper meaning. David is hit the hardest, tearfully confessing to Bryan that that can never happen with their child. Experiencing that type of loss would just be unbearable.

Bryan seeks guidance during this time of need from his priest. How can he possibly bring a child into the world knowing that his life could be snatched away at any second? Bryan's priest reassures him that the pain he's feeling will eventually be replaced by moments of great joy. We can't open ourselves up to love without opening ourselves up to pain - it's a risk everyone has to take.

After Goldie's hospital scare, Clay pays Goldie a visit with a sincere apology. He tells Goldie that he realizes he's treated her terribly and has been an awful husband. But when he saw her hurting last night, he realized that if anything happened to her, his life would be over. Determined, Clay tells Goldie that he will make it his life's mission to make up for all of the terrible things he's done to her in the past.