Before you get a puppy
Our family loves dogs. Last year, during the month leading up to my oldest son – Jordan’s birthday (he was turning 8), he was asking for a puppy. (Sounds familiar ?) Then, my daughter joined in & is constantly asking for one. I told my husband that when she turns 4 (don’t know why I chose this age), I will be ready to get a dog. Naturally, last year was a crucial year and my husband & I discussed about it many times privately.
It’s such a big responsibility & there is never the best time. In the fall when school starts – all hells break loose with open house, class parties, soccer practices etc etc. Then in the winter – we take 2 weeks vacation at Christmas & New Year. Then comes Spring, and a possible short vacation. How about Summer ? That’s worse – we return to my mom’s (in a faraway country) for 3 months.
In the last few months, I seriously considered the option as we got a babysitter who is working full time in the dog grooming salon. (I thought maybe she can also moonlight & groomed my dog for a smaller fee on weekends). Also, she will be able to help me teach the kids to handle the dog. We started researching on the internet and shortlisting names.
Then one day – I took my little girl to visit our babysitter at the dog grooming salon and she was of course excited. However, when we walked in – there was a strong odor – you know the kind of smell when you are bathing the dog. Anyway, in a confined environment, it is quite nauseating. My little girl immediately pinched her nose & said : “I don’t like the smell. I want to go now.” So, I promptly seized the opportunity & said : “if you want dog, our house might smell like that”. (Of course I am exaggerating). She replied : “I don’t want a dog now. Can we go now please?
Mission accomplished. She stopped bugging me for a dog. Strangely, I am the one who still wants a dog. Maybe it’s not the timing. It’s just that I haven’t found the right dog yet.