The Hall family has not done well with pets historically. Our first pet, a Beta fish, was accidentally left outside in the cold, bowl and all. The second Beta fish died of starvation in a dark room. One of our cats thought the whole house was a litter box, so she is no longer with us. The other cat was given away because of allergy issues in the family.
So, the kids now want a dog. Do we dare? It is self-evident that a gift wrapped dog is THE perfect Christmas present. The video footage of that moment alone brings one to the brink of saying "Yes" to Rover. There is no question that the dog will be loved. But will the dog be loved more than he will be loathed...that is the math problem parents try to solve within themselves before Rover comes over. How do we determine the love-loathe ratio?
Well, first we look at those people who love their dog. They read books about their dog, research a proper diet, set-up a social network, schedule playdates and purchase custom clothing...all for the dog. These people make dog ownership look like having another child.
Then, we look at those who loathe their dogs. They will say it is the dog's fault. We don't even know the real name of their dog, because all we hear is the nicknames. The rap sheet on these dogs is indeed extensive...chewed a couch, swallowed a sock, woke the neighbors, ran away again, glee-peed on the company, ran in front of the lawnmower, snacked on own feces...etc, etc. Makes it less appealing.
We then draw upon our childhood memories of our own dogs. Running, laughing walking with the dog, pictures and videos with the pooch. Nothing but happy memories! Yet, we are playing the part of the parents now...so we have to factor in how our parents felt about our dogs, and the scales begin to tip again. Trips to the vet, late night bathroom breaks, vacation boarding, bath time...etc.
There is a financial component to the decision. We were offered a free min-pin. Slang for "mini pincher." Looks like a squirrel that managed to swallow a doberman. Free dogs are free for a reason, I guess. Do we pick a big dog, an active dog, a lap dog, a tough dog, a sissy dog, an ugly dog, a shedder, a drooler, a jumper, a barker, loyal, fearful, fluffy or obedient? Such a paralyzing decision.
So, for now, we have decided to purchase a dog that lives in the TV, thanks to Nintendo technology. We are buying a video game called Dogs. The kids can choose a dog, dress a dog, walk a dog, feed a dog...but it stays inside the television. But how long will that hold them over?
Thank you for not placing blame for the fish deaths.
ReplyDeleteNice! Sarah and I will gladly come over to your place and tell you how cute your glad-peeing sissy dog is. And then we will go home. Without the dog.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely get a dog. Unconditional love. And adopt! Too many dogs out there that need good homes. That would appreciate a good home......
ReplyDeleteDogs do become a part of the famly unit. They have emotions..likes, dislikes, fears, joy, anxieties. They get sick, break bones, throw up. And they give total unconditional love no matter how many mistakes you make with them living day to day. Dogs with kids believe they are litter-mates. BOTH the dog AND the kids. But you are right. Its the parents that set the tone for how this will all fit together. Can you let the kids fall in love with and welcome in a new family member, and then decide you don't want it anymore? There are alot of terrified thrown away animals out there. Check out Animal Welfare and hear what these poor creatures went through at the hands of their owners. Big decision that needs lots of prayers. Choose wisely!!
ReplyDeleteI laughed my way all through this blog because those days are behind me. At least, I thought they were. Now I babysit my "grand dogs", when my grown up kids go on vacation!!!!! Stick with the TV dogs for as long as you can! Also I still have a brand new "Furby" in the attic, if you want it!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously, you can fight the inevitable, but in the long run, you know you will have a dog!
GF
My parents got our first dog when I was two years old. I was afraid of them so they thought it would be a good idea to help me over come my fear. Pawn was his name, he was a toy poodle and very tempermental. When Pawn was very old they got a Golden Retriever and mom fell in love with that breed. She has had them ever since. Most have died of cancer. I chose to rescue mutts and have had less health issues with dogs until we got Grace our current pet. Grace came from breeders and although Grace and her fellow liter mates were "an accident" the breeders choose to allow mom to birth them. The problem with her health was because the people who were breeders were breeding close blood relatives together. Grace is in the dying phase of her life. If it hadn't been for God leading us to research holistic veternarians, Grace would have passed well over two years ago. We found a Christian woman who God has gifted in a more natural approach to vet. medicine. Grace has been a blessing in our lives, and they teach us so much about God's love for us which is unconditional. We thank Him every day for her life. And we haved asked Him for mercy in her death. God is faithful and He has demonstrated that even in the life of our dog, Grace. We use to serve in a nursing home ministry and a man named Charlie fell for Grace. We couldn't talk him into attending church service so we ministered to Charlie where he was at. One day Charlie decided to follow our family and Grace to a church service. Charlie heard the glorious gospel and gave his heart to Jesus Christ that day! Charlie passed away two years later. God never ceases to amaze us. He uses His own creation, a dog to win the heart of a man as God was drawing Charlie to Him. God is so good!
ReplyDeleteProverbs 12:10a - A righeous man cares for the needs of his animals.
Remeber one rule of thumb. No matter how much the children tell you that they will take care of the dog, you(the parents)will always wind up taking care of the dog.
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