Sarah Chalke: Parenting Prep From Her Pup

Sarah Chalke and fiancé Jamie Afifi just announced the birth of their son, Charlie Rhodes Afifi, who came into the world on Christmas Eve.

The 33-year-old Scrubs star credits her 7-year-old dog, Lola, for preparing her for motherhood.

I have the cutest little chocolate Lab that the whole Scrubs cast got for me at a charity auction. She was our little Scrubs mascot. She’d come to work with me every day. I love to take her hiking. It definitely prepares you for responsibility,” she told OK! “At the end of the day, you’re responsible for this pet’s well-being, but I’m sure it’s a completely whole other level when you have kids.”

If her baby-parenting style is anything like her pet-parenting style, little Charlie is sure to be one happy little guy.

“I spoil Lola too much,” Sarah said. “I’m not quite firm enough for her. My sister, who’s amazing with dogs, is teaching me how to set limits better.”

And how does she spoil the sweet pup?

“Well, she calls the shots. When I get up in the morning, she jumps up and down and follows me to the kitchen until I feed her, and it’s supposed to be the other way around, I think, that you decide when you feed her. [laughs] She’s the boss. I know I have to turn that around.”

Sarah went on to talk about her fiancé Jamie Afifi.

“I always go to him for advice,” she said. "He’s one of the smartest people I know, and I think that he always has a great perspective on things.”

Apparently, babies were always on the brain for the lovebirds, who got engaged in 2006.

“I have three of the cutest nieces and nephews, who I’m madly in love with, and I’ve always wanted kids to no end,” she said.

Sarah outlined how she and Jamie make a great team.

“We’re opposite in a lot of ways. That makes a good balance, and we have so much fun together. We met so many years ago, and we still have a great time together. And I feel like he’s so there for me. It’s fun to know that no matter what happens, you always have somebody who’s got your back.”