We have 0 pets at our house right now, unless you count some of the ants I saw this weekend. So, really, we only have 3,216, 231 pets. I counted some I saw in the kitchen and then proceeded outside and counted all of the ones I saw in the yard. I was there for HOURS. Because all the dadgum things look alike, I had to stop and start over about a hundred times. I lost about 5 pounds because I never wanted to stop to eat. At the end of my couting spree, I had to be rushed off to the emergency room due to a severe case of dehydration. It was worth it, though! My near-death experience was worth it because I know how many pets I have now! Well, hold on a minute... I think one of those ants was pregnant. Now, I'm stressed...
Speaking of ants, there is a dear older person to me, that will remain unnamed, that had ants in her kitchen once. She absolutely refused to acknowledge the fact that there were ants at her house. We'd say, "Hey! Look at those ants!" to which she'd reply "What ants?" just about every time. This amused my husband and I a lot. We walked into her dining room and saw this once:
 |
| It was hard to hear their tiny voices, but I gathered that it was someone's birthday, ants love to gamble and their favorite character on Family Ties is Alex P. Keaton. |
The ants in my yard don't make great companions, though. They can't fetch worth crap and when you cuddle with them, they bite you! So, I am on the search for a different type of pet for my sons. Aren't all children SUPPOSED to have a pet? No? Sometimes I'm afraid to get a pet that will attack my kids. My grandmother was walking one day a few years ago when a Rottweiler bit her right in the butt and held on for a while until he was knocked away by a stranger. A friend of mine's daughter recently got attacked in the face by a Dachsund and had to have plastic surgery. So, I ask...
Are pets worth the risk...and the heartache? My pet history:
CHARLIE, dog: I think he got hit by a car.
AMOS, dog: He definitely got hit by a car. We found him on my way to school in the 7th grade. I still remember crying to my science teacher about him.
RANDOM FISH: When my sister was 2-years-old, she fed them a whole box of Triscuits and they ate themselves to death.
CHARLOTTE: Pretty white cat that ran away.
MARTHA, cat: She was a stray with lots of sores that my sister and I tried to nurse when we were in elementary school. She mysteriously disappeared one day.
KELSEY, dog: She had to be put to sleep because of cancer. We had her the longest. My dad still gets sad when he recalls having to take her to the vet to do that. She loved to swim in our pool. Oh, my heart!
PARAKEETS: A friend of ours did a flip-flop, knocked the cage over and gave them all a heart attack.
JACK & DIANE: Goldfish we won at a White Elephant Party that died in less than 72 hours.
THOSE DINGDANG ANTS: Still going strong.
Dagger in the heart! Dagger in my stinkin' heart!
So, considering that I want to subject my children to likely emotional turmoil, painful memories and sadness down the road, what kind of pet would you suggest? Actually, what kind of DOG do you suggest? I don't want a cat, fish, bird, turtles, hamsters, reptiles of any kind, ferrets or sugar gliders. No, no, no. Just a dog. What kind of dog do we get??
41 comments:
Pets are a good thing. They teach kids about death, normally a job left to Disney movies.
Trust me when I say...don't get a puppy. A 1-2yr old rescue dog, mut in breed will love your family unconditionally. Find one who is good with kids and you are all set.
We have sworn off pets several times. Still, we maintain a menagerie. Currently, there are two dogs, four cats, three fish, one turtle, and two guinea pigs in the house. There have been three dogs and a few cats that we gave up for various reasons. We have buried a dog, three cats, multiple fish, and a ferret.
Is it busy? Yes. Is it expensive? Fu*king A, yes. Is is heartbreaking? Sometimes (I really miss Chocolate the ferret.) But there is nothing like the love of an animal to warm a home. We will continue to swear "No more pets." And we will continue to smile sheepishly when we bring a new one home.
Don't do it. Don't get a pet. We have 3 cats and 1 dog, and I wish we had zero anything. The cats aren't so bad, b/c they for the most part leave us alone. And, I guess they are good for catching mice, as we have one who apparently caught one UNDER MY BED the other night. I am kinda glad the cat got to it before it got to ME. Dogs...I would rather have another kid. No, I'd rather have twins, triplets even. I am NOT a dog person, and our dog is a huge PITA. The kids barely like him, and we got him for their benefit. Huge mistake. I think you have to make sure you are an animal person before you get anything. Lesson learned.
I have to add, we can't do anything anymore b/c of the dog. We want to hit a museum? Can't, b/c the dog would have to be crated all day (he would destroy the house and has failed all attempts at training). Want a weekend away. Can't for the same reason, unless we want to dbl our costs by using a kennel. Over the summer I couldn't do day trips with the kids unless my husband worked from home...grrrr...it has really put a cramp in my lifestyle.
My family had the same kind of pet history. My husband really wants an English Bulldog. They cost about $2,000. That dog will be placed into a bubble.
We had 3 cats and added a dog. Well, we still do have 3 cats & 1 dog, however, one cat is in a box on the mantle. I still talk to him. He is a great listener. Ok, to the dog... We adopted him from a "pet store" and I use that term loosely because they are not really a pet store. They find dogs in shelters all over the country who are about to be put down & bring them here, make sure they are healthy & adopt them out. I am very pro-rescue animal so this makes me happy. When we picked our dog out, oh, his name is Zoz... When we got Zoz we were under the impression he was a mix of border collie & black lab. He does look like a black lab & is smart like a border collie! He is fully grown at 2 years old & 22lbs. We were told he needs to loose a couple pounds. Obviously, there is something else (we thing dachshund) to make him so much smaller than we anticipated. He is smart, house trained, crate trained, loving, great with kids... perfect! (As long as he doesn't need to ride in the car, he gets carsick) I say adopt a dog but research breeds to see what size/kind is a best match for your family. And when you adopt him/her (boys are better) don't be shocked when they are not exactly what you thought. Like kids, they come as is & still need love. I can't imagine our life without our furry face!
Kelley, you can see humour in everything and even where no one else would dream of looking! What a great gift you have. As far as dogs are concerned, they really do make the greatest companions for young and old alike. Obviously, taking one into your home means long term commitment and full time, responsible pet ownership, to keep them safe, healthy, well-fed and watered, loved and played with and trained to fit in with your family. They do dig, eat plants, make a mess and bark. If you're able to accept and accommodate all of this, then go for it. We own two pedigreed German Shepherds (superb dogs!) and now in addition have four mixed breed Rescues. We love them all (if you go through the archives on my blog you'll see the posts I've/they've done). Have fun selecting the dog that tugs strongest at your heart strings. Giving a Rescue dog/puppy a loving home is incredibly rewarding, if that's an option you're prepared to consider. I look forward to hearing what you decide :)
I have two boys who are 5 and 7, and I think your boys are about the same age?
My boys love, love, love, LOVE our dog. We got the dog two years ago as a puppy from a rescue organization. Puppies are a lot of work. A lot. So much so that I think our next dog will be an older rescue - like maybe a year or two old.
I think it's best to get a rescue. Mutts are the greatest...often healthier than pure breeds too.
Your local shelter or rescue group should be able to help you adopt the right pup for your family.
Go for it!
Get a mutt. Don't over think it. Just go and get the friendliest one that's interested in you and the kids.
Easy-peasy.
Awww- I had a dog named Amos once- a basset hound. Loved that face and those ears! Hope you find a dog that won't chew and will clean up after themselves-
Think long and hard before you get a pet. Dogs are so much care. And you have to kennel them if you want to take a vacation, which costs! All pets pee, poop, and get fleas. And some get sick or hurt and cost as much as people do in medical bills. I have had dogs and cats and will never again.
Although it might break your heart to get rid of your pet ants, the best way to do it is with sugar substitute like Equal. Given to us to sweeten our ice tea, but originally manufactured as a pest killer.....really! Look it up.
I absolutely LOVE dogs! Our last pet was named Charlie Brown. He was a collie. Our mean, evil witch neighbor, found him in her yard one day and called the dog pound to pick him up as a stray. Never mind that she knew who he was and he had his tags on. They took him away and we never saw him again. I was 15 years old. We never got another pet after that. It's still painful. Poor doggie! By the way, you can cound really high! lmao! :)
You should go to Petfinder.com and see what's available for rescue. I highly recommend an "older" dog, who is through the puppy chewing/peeing/pooping stage, maybe 1-2 y/o. The smaller the breed, the longer they live (typically). Find a dog that is or has been in a foster home versus just at the shelter so you can get a better understanding of the personality of the pet. Golden retrievers and Labs are great family dogs but they shed and require grooming. Good luck and have fun! My son (age 6) calls our two rescue dogs his "brothers" and they are all thick as thieves.
I love my purebred German Shepherd, and my purebred Labrador Retriever, but the best dog I ever had was a purebred MUTT, and I vote for a mutt for me for next time. She was part German Shorthaired Pointer, and part Golden Retriever, and she was the smartest sweetest dog in the whole world. And her name was Memphis. (Because she was mostly black.) I kid! It was because a cowboy in the book Lonesome Dove had a horse named Memphis, and I fell in love with the name.
We had a tarantula that lasted a pretty long time and had minimal upkeep requirements, but the truth is that she was pretty boring as pets go and not particularly cuddly. But my kids were also not very upset when she died. Neither was I. :P
I would never ever ever NOT have a dog. There's nothing like it in the world! So snoogetastic and lovely despite the hair everywhere. There's a catch, though: you have to get a dog that's not an asshole. Some breeds are just assholes. Not only that, but you must, must MUST take the puppy to kindergarten or socialize it with a trainer to make sure it won't turn INTO a dick. Dogs that bark too much? Dicks. Dogs that jump on people? Dicks. People who can't control their dogs? Total dicks.
My vote? LABS ALL THE WAY. No question.
Who new that ants enjoyed Family Ties? Anyways maybe pets just aren't for you... May I suggest a pet rock or an imaginary friend... You might be able to keep those alive?
Yes, next time my kids ask for a pet I will tell them we have ants. Though, I haven't seen any- we have a very good bug guy.
We have dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, birds, snakes, lizards, turtles, and fish, plus our farm animals. I love everything except our birds. We have two cockatoos and a blue and gold macaw, and they are terrible. Imagine having three faulty smoke detectors that won't ever stop going off, eat CONSTANTLY, and require $500 vet checkups twice annually (and that's per bird!). Best part? They're 23, 18, and 5, and they'll likely live to be about 80 years old. So not only will I most likely die without ever escaping them, my children will probably be forced to inherit them. Gah.
As far as dogs go, there are tons of breeds that make great family pets. Larger dogs tend to do better with kids than smaller dogs, but there are exceptions to that rule. I worked at a vet's office and spent years volunteering at our local SPCA branch, so I have a lot of experience pairing people with dogs. My best recommendation: get a younger adult dog that has some experience with socialization and training and won't have the demands of a puppy. I'm a mutt person. Check your shelter! They'll give you all kinds of advice about what will work for your family.
I just today put a cat to sleep and was asking myself if it was worth it to get another pet. And the answer? yes. Because for 9 years she brought far more joy into my life than losing her has taken away.
That said, I think our next pet will be a dog. And I want a mutt - they're heartier.
I would think a stuffed animal dog. There are some really cute ones. I was at Toys R Us yesterday and they have all sizes. BEST PETS EVER.
If you want a puppy so adorable that teenage girls burst into tears when they first see it (no joke) then get an Italian Greyhound. And they stay adorable their whole lives, neither smell nor shed, are remarkably long-lived and free of diseases, will charm the pants off all your friends, and sleep under blankets like people. A teensie bit hard to house train, I admit. And they learn how to play their humans like so many kazoos. Oh, and they stay puppies forever - puppy energy, puppy craziness. Not recommended for everyone.
I've been doing my own research and the French Bulldog (Frenchie) is amazing if you are OK with shedding. If not, then a Havenese is the best hypo-allergenic dog. BUT they both are EXPENSIVE. I do love my brother's Brown Lab (the brown are a little slower and less hyper) and I love my other brother's Shitzu - they have two and both are super sweet -but they do have a few accidents here and there. UGH. SEE?? SO HARD TO CHOOSE. Maybe go with a stuffed dog......
My dog just crapped in the playroom so I'm pretty disgusted regarding our four legged friend at the moment.
I'd stick with the ants.
--cats are much easier than dogs, unless you have one like mine (Charlie) !! Xx
good luck, Kelley.
Wow that is kind of interesting thinking back on my history of pets. Most were cats and all went 'somewhere'? Had a tortoise which drowned, a pair of snails which crawled up a wall and starved to death, and 3 baby raccoons which we retrieved from the attic. Fun post to think about. As for a dog, I don't like barking and I like animals to take care of themselves along with my needs. So how about a Basenji - a central African hunting dog. They can't bark and they clean themselves like a cat! Now if only husbands would do the same right?! W.C.C.
Awe, we love our pets. Just lost our sweet little kitty (died) close to 2 weeks ago. :(
As for dogs, you definitely want a kid friendly dog. We have a black lab/moose ... I mean dane mix and a shepherd.
Labs and Retreivers are great with young kids.
I've been thinking lab for us eventually. Although my sister's goldendoodle is great with kids AND doesnt shed. Pricey though.
Boxers are pretty awesome! We have one and seems to serve his purpose well, you know, going nuts at unwanted door knockers, not minding the kids when they used his lips to pull themselves to standing position, plus now that he's 7 he's pretty lazy so we don't feel guilty about our lack of walks with him.
Cute blog!
follow back at tuliprow.blogspot.com
i told my daughter when she was two she could have a dog when she was nine, thinking OF COURSE she would forget by then.
would you believe she has mentioned it every single day for the past six years?
she turns eight next month, and next year? i'm keeping my word and getting the dog we never thought we would.
ah parenting....
You are a far, far braver woman than I, Kelley. Because I'm vowing to remain petless. My son literally has the energy of 3 golden retrievers. And I'm adding another human-retriever to the mix any day now. Fortunately, all of our friends have dogs. I tell Chalupa they're his but they don't live with us. Brilliant, right?
Ohmygrilledcheezus... I have to recommend no pet here; not yet. Not until the kids can be responsible for 99% of the work...trust me on this one. Wait... Just wait... :)
Pets are great however they are a hassle as well. I suggest a cairn terrier...they don't shed and are great with kids. I love ours!
Who knew Triscuits were such good fish food?? Cracked up at this post & you & your sisters "unfortunate" pet history ... No advice on the doggie type but I have a snail named Dr. Hason that is pretty dogone easy! I haven't even fed him in 2 years! (um, I think he just eats his own poop)
I've lived 8 years wth a dog I can't stand, so I'm not in good position to advise!
However, I would like to be left alone with your 2 year old sister because death by triscuits sounds like a good way to go
Labs or golden retrievers are great with kids. What about a labradoodle or a golden-doodle? They do not shed. Although they are on the hyper side.
If you want something smaller and lazy, you could get a basset hound. They tend to smell though - so you would need to bathe it often.
I have a dog and a cat. Both rescue.
If you guys decide on a pet, please make it a rescue!
. . . and I love my pets! I've always had one.
I accidentally went to the Humane Society one day and saw a sweet 6 month hold shihtzu mix. I took a picture and posted it on facebook asking if I should take him home. Everyone said no. My husband asked if there was a return policy, and 2 years later, we cannot imagine our lives without him! He's such a joy!
I suggest any small dog that does not shed and the non-yelping type will help your sanity. Maybe.
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