Off course I have animals in my life ! We had rabbits, parrot, love birds in our home but I could never say yes to my sons whenever they wanted me to give permission to bring a pup. Few days back I had written a post on this topic. Here is an extract of the post:
I was confused. Had been living with a guilt for last so many years. Guilt for not saying yes to my sons to bring a pet at home. Not that I am not an animal lover but when it comes to be a part of dog lovers community I simply don’t have the courage to take on this huge responsibility. I am not adverse to the thought but yes I don’t have the commitment coming from inside to take care of a dog. All I can say is I am yet not prepared.
My sons convinced me in all possible manner and promised me to look after the dog themselves. I somehow knew it was not going to happen that way and the dog would become my extended duty. I refused sternly though felt pained doing so. My kids openly showed their anger. Thankfully my husband did not show any interest when boys cribbed about my forced wish on them.
In the meanwhile my dear friend Marilyn Armstrong published a pet post and I shared my concern with her in one of my comments. Â She gave me most practical and valuable suggestions. Her reply gave me clear insight on pet issues.
She said, ” Bring a pet when you are ready. Too many people get dogs, discover they are too much work, and dump them into shelters or abandon them. Better to know your limits. Better for you, better for the dog.”
She further suggested, “Kids are very fickle about pet care, so don’t let them talk you into something for which you are not ready. Let them understand that it is not just the few months of cute puppyhood. It is a lifetime care. If your sons are fickle minded don’t go for it until you are ready. You need the right dog, too, one that is the right size and temperament for your life. It’s like marrying the right person.”
So now I know what to do and when is the right time to go for a pup. Presently I am enjoying the squirrels, butterflies and moths in my garden and I know very soon I would be a proud owner of cute canines 🙂
10 Responses
The cute lil ones are easy to care for, small bills and the simplest things will do, your friend couldn’t of said it better 🙂
Thanks Andy. I am so grateful to have you folks to guide and support me on these sensitive issues. I want a dog but then I go to school for teaching. My sons are busy with their studies and Tarun, my husband is in Army who stays from home for months together. I don’t want to leave my dog with a servant. We don’t have a permanent settlement that’s another issue.
There will be a time then, once everything is settled for good a pup will bring life to the home with lots of laughs but not yet! 😀
Marilyn is a wise woman. And you are also wise to know your limits. Even older kids will promise to take care of the pet (dog or otherwise), but then they go off with friends, or go off to college, and Mom becomes the only care-giver. It’s OK if Mom is willing and able to take on that responsibility. Most of the pets that have come into our house have supposedly been for the kids, but secretly were for me, so I didn’t mind taking care of them.
Exactly. You said it all. Unless and until I feel strongly for a pet I don’t think so I will go for it ultimately it is a commitment of lifetime. Thanks for sharing your views and supporting my opinion on pets.
Even the littlest puppies are a long term obligation. Years, not months. They get old and need care. They get sick and need a doctor. It’s having a toddler. Forever. Because you dog never grows up enough to survive without you. I love my dogs, but I am ready to have less responsibility and fewer furry kids. Every time we need to go on vacation, the complexities of getting someone to take care of the dogs reminds me that we aren’t as young — or rich — as were used to be!
Exactly these were the issues which I discussed with my family. Since Tarun is an Army officer who stays away from home for months together, my elder son is studying in Mumbai and the younger one is busy with his school and coaching. I am busy with my job and house. I know if a pup comes, the responsibility will definitely fall on my shoulders. I will like to leave him with servants or maids. We keep on moving after every two years and many a times we don’t get a house before three to four months. Staying in a mess, it becomes difficult to look after the dog. I have seen so many officers going on vacation leaving their dogs with maids. Poor creatures keep on barking showing their disapproval. Yesterday I invited few friends for dinner. It was too late when I wrote my post, forgot to link it. Done that. Thanks for the support and guidance. Let me read what others have written yesterday.
no point in doing it if your not ready.. the dog might only suffer. It does take focus.
Yes you are right. I want to make my sons happy, that’s it but they must come forward to take on the responsibility.