If I could manage to keep them from putting that 6 week-old Pomeranian puff ball with irresistible brown eyes in my arms, I’d be fine.
…
They cradled him like a newborn. They sprinkled Johnny Jump-Ups on his back. They cooed at him and loved him up.
And then the pleading started.
“Mom, he won’t get too big.”
“Mom! Look how cute he is!”
“Hey mom, I swear I’ll scoop the poop.”
“Mom, Nina would love a little buddy.”
And then they forced the little guy into my arms. The fuzzy puff looked up at me while simultaneously tugging at my heart strings.
Damn him.
I’ve managed to dodge the Dog Bullet. While the discussion never completely ends, I have managed to keep it on the back burner.
Until last night.
“Mom! The ones at the pet store are $600. They said we can get this one from a breeder for $300!”
“Mom, he’s a little guy. How much can he really poop?”
“You said we could get a dog someday.” (I hate that one.)
It doesn’t help matters that Jenny’s birthday is just around the corner. It doesn’t help that Jenny loves every living thing from grasshoppers and caterpillars to turtles and garter snakes.
And yes, I do believe that kids ought to have a puppy. But what I really think is that kids ought to have a mom AND a dad to help them take care of the puppy, because we all know that the care and feeding and poop-scooping falls on the parents.
I do have enough on my plate right now.
So I quietly cooed at the Pomeranian. I thoroughly enjoyed watching my two smother that little puppy with love and sticky kisses.
And I waited.
I listened to all the pleading.
I answered all the questions.
…
Because we’ve done our homework; because we’ve talked endlessly about the pros and cons of what a dog would bring to our lives; because we’ve Googled breeds and dog-sat and fallen in love with other dogs; I could just let this scene play out.
Without my having to direct anything.
We were excited and giddy and gushing when we got in the car for the drive home.
“Oh, it’s so fuzzy!”
“It’s so darn cute!”
“It isn’t hyper.”
“Mom it’s not so tall that it can sniff me all over!”
Then we each took a breath. There was a temporary quiet in the car.
I felt the shift.
Jenny parroted me in all my financial conservatism and said, “Mom, $300 is a lot of money.”
Will said, “What would we do with that sweetie when we go skiing?”
I smiled to myself and kept quiet.
Then, Jenny said, “You guys, nothing is cuter than Nina.”
Will said, “How does this little shortie go to the bathroom in a snow drift?”
We got to the house, ran inside and smothered Nina.
Problem solved!
A wise woman knows when to keep her mouth shut.
Loved your book, BTW. Don’t think I said that yet.
Pat,
Keeps her mouth shut and fingers crossed. ;)
I’m so glad you liked the book. Thanks for your editorial input – made it that much better.
Jesse! As a bit of a dog activist here I love this post. I was on the edge of my seat for part of it of course. As always, I’m admiring your wisdom (and your magic at telling a story!)
Peggie,
Thanks for stopping by.
Something tells me this story won’t end without me saying, “Yes!” to a sweet puppy.
We shall see.
OMG, how cute are your kids :). I don’t know if I could have resisted that cute little puppy, but how perfect the way this scenario worked itself out. Your kitty remains very much the center of affection :)
Kira,
Nina is the only one in this house who resides on a pedestal.
As it should be. ;)
Jesse,
HAHA! That was me 9 years ago…but my husband gave in and brought him home! What I learned? Little dogs CAN poop BIG; they poop in the rainy and freezing temps., too; moms always end up on poop-duty because the doggy can’t ‘hold it” while they’re all in school….and many more.
So funny! Made me smile.
Thanks!
Betsy
Hi Betsy!
Thanks for stopping by.
I’m glad I brought a smile to your face. ;)
Happy weekend!
You could always practice that authoritative “no”. LOL! I am not preaching as I have the worst time telling my kids no. We have a dog…a little boston terrier named Zoey. And I scoop the poop. :)
Great book! I am going to read again with more time for reflection this weekend.
Speaking of weekends…Have a great one! xoxo
Zaira,
I know. The “no” is why we don’t have a dog at this point. It’s interesting to watch them re-visit all the discussions we’ve had about pups and come to the “no” on their own.
I’m quite glad you like the book.
Have a marvelous weekend yourself. ;)
I really need to learn how to NOT guide the conversation in cases like this. So brilliant.
And hi! It looks like I missed a lot during my hibernation – a book!!! So very exciting. I just bought it and can’t wait to read. Congratulations :)
Jessica!
Hey you! It’s nice to see you back here. Was the hibernation all you hoped it would be? Highly recommended?
Hope you and yours are well.
Thanks for buying the book. ;)