I woke up ready to go to school a couple days ago, completed my usual routine and was about to head out the door when my mom stopped me. She told me she had submitted an application to adopt a dog from an animal shelter. Now I’m going to sound like a terrible person, but I do not want a dog. This has been the stance that my dad and I have taken for months now, but something changed this time. After my mom announced her decision, I shot my dad a look hoping he would resolve the situation, but he came out in support. “What?” I was officially outnumbered. Before, my dad was the one keeping the sanity within the household, but now it has gone to madness. I find this whole situation extremely hilarious because usually it's the other way around, the child is the one who wants the dog and the parents don’t want the dog. So why do I not want a dog? Well I believe there are a number of factors involved. We had a golden retriever earlier this year that passed away at the age of twelve, and for one thing this memory probably still has a lasting impact on my decision to not want another dog. Also I know the amount of time a dog takes and I don’t want to be anchored at home caring for it because I know that the responsibility of the dog will fall onto my shoulders. For example, a couple of years ago my mom adopted two oranges cats that were twins, and now I’m the one that feeds them. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my cats, and if we do end up getting a dog I’d love it too.
Anyways, I’m writing this not to complain about getting a dog rather a recent change of heart that I’ve had. It was in english class when I watched the commercial with the puppy and the horses and realized “I think I do want a puppy.” I may be the one that has to take it on walks, feed it, clean up after it. I may end up being constrained to my house after school and over the weekends because my parents will insist that I stay and deal with the dog. But in the end, the absolute adorableness of this dog will make up for it (at least I’m hoping!) Also my mom’s wish for a dog was never up for discussion, so it was either accept getting a dog or find a new place to live!
I recently got a rescue puppy myself. Unlike you it was a pretty unanimous decision seeing as we already have a dog and it really wasn't a big deal to get a second. However, in the process of getting a dog there were moments when my parents asked my input for things like what kind of puppy we wanted or what temperament and such, especially when we ran into a rough patch in the adoption process my answer was always the same, "This is going to be your dog, I mean will love it either way but I am leaving for college next year". So yes, while I agree puppies are high maintenance I will remind you that I would enjoy the time you have left doing those things because soon enough you will be at college were unfortunate there are NO pets allowed.
ReplyDeleteI love how the commercial that we watched in English class is what changed your mind. To me, that's really funny. My family is kind of going through an almost similar thing with deciding if we want another dog. My dog is getting old now. She's a golden retriever too and is turning 11 in February, so my dad wants to get a new dog so that he or she can learn from our dog. I think it's doable but also bad timing since we're moving into a new house soon and I'm going away to college soon too.
ReplyDeleteYou might be the first person to ever tell their parents why they don't want a dog. It seems like it is always the other way around, the kid wants a dog and the parents say no because of all of the work that goes into it. That's how it was for me at a young age. It's cool that the video from class changed your perspective on the idea, and I am sure you will be happy once the dog becomes part of the family. I am writing this with my dog, Joey, next to me right now. It took a lot of convincing before my parents finally agreed to get a dog, but once we did, we never looked back. I am sure that is the case with many families and will likely be the case for you too. I hope everything goes well and I am excited to hear more about how this all turns out.
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