Thursday, December 6, 2007

man's best friend



Some kids just seem to NEED a dog. I didn't realize until our poor old Casey was gone, that apparently Seth is one of them. Kaitlyn likes dogs, and wants one, but Seth regularly gets into a funk because of missing Casey, and wishing he had a dog. He REALLY WANTS one. He is a very affection child with a lot of love to give, and I really believe he would take care of a dog, it would help teach him responsibility and I know it would become his new 'best friend'. But I sooooo don't feel like dealing with all of the responsibility and MESS that comes along with owning canine. We had a shepherd/rottweiler mix for 12 years and I admit, though I did love her, it was really nice not having to deal with the dog hair, the poop, the chewing, and the barking after she was gone. But every time Sethy climbs into bed and comments how he wishes he could have a dog that slept in his room, or goes outside and kicks around a ball by himself, my hearstrings are definitely tugged and I contemplate whether I should just suck it up and add a furry member to our family. So many of my friends are NOT animal lovers, and would not appreciate the addition to our household, and some of their children have allergies, which I know, from my own allergies, can really be a hassle...but what do I let take precedence here? The people that we regularly welcome into our home (as part of our calling as a family) or my son's longing for 'man's best friend'?

4 comments:

Zoanna said...

Have you prayed with him about it? I am like Sethy as well as you. I think a dog is almost a NEED I have, and can't imagine life without our Molly (golden retriever). ON the other hand, I know the hassle of hair, mess, and ppl who visit and don't appreciate her. I would say pray and ask God. My only opinion is "get a dog" --and I recommend a golden from a rescue (check out www.grreat.org) --two Rs in the name, yes). They make great family dogs and aren't yappy or loud by nature.

Anonymous said...

I found your blog from Zoanna's blogroll! I think you should get a dog for sure! We are dog people and there are so many wonderful memories that will come from a dog especially with your son. Take your time and find the right dog with the right personality for your home. We, too, have a Rottweiler mix. He is half Rott and half Retriever. He's amazing and the kids love him. I'd have to vacuum about 1/4 of the time I did if we didn't have him, but he's worth it. As far as allergies are concerned, you certainly don't want to make people in your house miserable if you don't have to...and I know that there are dogs that are allergen free or however you describe it :-) As long as you all aren't horribly allergic, I'd do it!

Laura said...

Christmas present! Awww, I kinda hope you get one, cause I'm never gonna have a dog unless we get a house with a huge backyard (or luke has an epiphany and realizes he wants an inside dog). And I agree, golden retrievers are the best! So as one person who is over alot- my vote is yes. However, I realize it isn't really a voting matter, so I'm really just giving my opinion.

Anonymous said...

We are going through the same struggle. Rick wants a yellow lab and Theo wants whatever he can get. Everything stops when Theo sees or hears a dog. I love dogs and cats but am enjoying being pet mess free, however I think every kid should have a pet if at all possible. So we are looking but trying to find the right dog at the right price.