I cannot believe I am typing this right now seeing as how much work I have to do before leaving tonight for the four hour trip it is to Brad's parents' house. His 17- year old sister's baby shower is tomorrow. That's right. Baby Shower. The graduation party was two weeks ago. But I cannot seem to concentrate on my work because I am so preoccupied with something. Something serious. Something that could change my life forever. Something that could either make or break my marriage with Brad. I just feel like I need to get it off my chest and maybe then I'll be able to stay focused and be efficient. I am constantly building my argument in my head and am having a really hard time being creative while trying to write an assessment on why I think a child has Oppositional Defiant Disorder.
What could possibly be so serious that I am both highly distracted from my work (not that it takes much) and afraid of the effect it could have on my relationship with Brad? This is what I am struggling with:
Meet "Icey" and "Scout." Both are available for adoption through the Michigan Sheltie Rescue, and are willing to adopt out of state! How could anyone possibly say "NO" to either of these beautiful faces?
Well, Brad could. And has. Not to these two, but to many, many others. In fact, he is so against us getting a dog that he will not even agree to fostering a dog, which from what I understand, costs minimally anything.
I realize Brad is currently still unemployed, but he has been in training for what could be a very lucrative job if he does well. He is committed for at least 90 days (in order for us to get reimbursed for the $500 training fee), so we have the prospect of an income again.
Here is the jist of my entire argument:
Here is the jist of my entire argument:
1) Brad insists we don't have the funds for a dog, but my destitute friend Shannon manages to support two dogs. I have a full-time income and with Tupperware money, am fully prepared to be the sole provider for the dog. Yes, we still plan on completing our debt recovery program, but what if we already had the dog? We would not be getting rid of it just to pay our debt faster!
2) Brad has really enjoyed several dogs he has ever come into contact with. At my friend's wedding in January 2005, he met her Miniature Pinscher, Dallas. Shortly after the wedding, Brad was looking on www.petfinder.com for adoptable Min Pins, and that was when we were still in our one bedroom apartment! He loves my friends' dog, Maggie, who was rescued in Tennessee by Shannon (again). Figures they would fall in love with her, and by the time we had our house and the space for her, they didn't want to give her up (we don't blame you, Chris & Court)! These are just a few examples, and there are only a few select dogs Brad had less than ideal experiences with, and if we were to take into consideration their owners, it isn't surprising why!
3) Brad didn't know I was bringing Yummy home, until I was already at the vet with her. For the first few hours he didn't seem to want a lot to do with her, but by the end of the night was bringing her to bed with us because he couldn't stand to hear her meow in the bathroom (where we had decided to keep her so she wouldn't get lost in any of the open crevaces that were once in the house). He insists the cat is mine, which is fine, because I am the one who, the majority of time, feeds her, buys her food, changes her litter box, buys her litter, clips her toenails (Brad helps hold her sometimes), uses the kitty wipes on her, combs her, and takes her to the vet. Brad will participate in some of the aforementioned duties when it suits him. And, because Brad is going to read this eventually: I AM NOT HOLDING A GRUDGE. I love taking care of Yummy, and am fully prepared to take full responsibilty for a dog, as well. That was the point of #3.
4) I need to exercise, and I think having a dog to walk would make the event much more enjoyable. There is a dog park in our neighborhood that I am just itching to experience, as I have never been to a dog park and am really excited to take a dog there! That, and although Yummy is a very good traveler, I cannot take her to parks, bike paths, or other fun-filled places where dogs are allowed.
5) Speaking of Yummy, she is spoiled and needs a sibling. She is under the impression that she is in charge of the house, and even though I admit we are guilty of spoiling her, it's because she is the only pet. She is the only domesticated animal in our home for us to shower unsolcited affection on! I strongly believe that introducing a sibling into the home will not only increase her socialization skills, but will help her realize that the world as she knows it at the Huntsman House does not revolve around her cute little self!
6) The more obstinate Brad is about not getting a dog, the more whiney and persistent I will be about getting a dog. I don't want to go aganist the part in the marriage vows where it says to trust and obey (if those were in ours...Brad insists he was the only one who listened to our vows and he may be right), but I am becoming very anxious, and we all know how obsessive I can be when faced with oppostion to something I really want.
7) We have a HUGE yard! We move into this quaint fixer upper with almost an acre of land, and it is being neglected. The yard is perfect for the pitter patter of four little paws racing through it catching a ball, frisbee, rabbits - you name it! Granted, we have to finish fencing off the yard before we will be allowed to adopt, but I have that all figured out, too! Additional fencing will pull the yard together and will increase the cosmetic value of the house. What is especially cool is that Scout, dog #2 above, is really into agility courses, so we could set one up in our backyard and invite people over to watch him (maybe even charge admission) or enter him into contests (and win money)...dog beauty competitions (cash prizes)...
...and people say a dog costs money.
13 comments:
I'm all for the dog. As long as there's still room for my hovel in the back yard.
um joslyn they do cost money. competitions cost some amount of money for any animal to participate in. I know b/c i used to walk horses when i was a we lad. and the fact if you set up an agility course how will we ever play wiffle ball or blow up half the yard with an axe can. its truly sad that you would want a dog that you have yet stated is possibly not house broken or stuff like that. well i think ive rambled on enough on that subject. Um.... When is the next time we go to your house cuz ill have nothing to do on wed. i think maybe ill come over to suprise you. anyway ive gotta go feed my kitten Katie.
Keegan
Oh i forgot to ask how you made this b/c i need a site for a paintball/airsoft team (i wouldn't expect you to know what those are)
Email me at keeganlawler@yahoo.com
I is sorry, but I am with Brad on this one! I say no dog, because then Kira can have a dog, and not me, and therefore I would be extremely jealous, so I say no dog!And bet you didn't know this interesting fact?! Guess who is allergic to dogs? Kira is! So that is a no-no! Kira may not have a dog!
dogs give unconditional love.
dogs will poop twice a day (who will pick it up?)
dogs will listen to all your woes.
dogs do not want to be alone in the house when you go away for the week-end.
dogs greet you with neverending wiggles and "kisses".
how much does the kennel cost to board a 30# doggie?
dogs are so cute when they play out doors and chase the frizbee.
Oh look, there's a dead bunny on the doorstep (or birdie) Well maybe not a birdie.
Who will take puppu to the vet when he has a tummy ache from eating too many burnt hot dogs left over from the Wed. nite cook out. dogs are protectors. Dogs bark. Who will train it to be a polite doggie that only barks three times when people come to the door? And you have lots of people who come to the door. And will you have a healthy dog that eats good quality science diet$ or a dog raised on dicarded leftovers? She willl be needing more trips to the doggie park for exercise. Who will take her to wear off those calories?
Take off the rose colored glasses and so you can see ALL the dog fur! Ha Love ya DA BOMB
At some point you will need
Brad's assistance with the dog whether it is letting it out a 2 a.m. or cleaning up throw up in the middle of the living room. If he is against getting a dog now and you still get one, he will resent the responsiblities you bestowed upon him and that will lead to problems down the road. Cute and lovable , thought they may be, dogs require alot of attention, money (fencing, vet (plus illnesses), food, training?) and responsibility and with the stress of Brad's work, your job, school, house project, and your desire for kids....a dog (or two) is only a temporary fix for whatever void it is you are trying to fill in your life right now. We all know you love them-and Brad never said never-he just said wait a while longer. Do what you already know is right and stop looking at the sheltie website to torture yourself.
You and Brad are grown adults who can add numbers, so I think if you believe you can do it...then You Can Dooit!! Plus those pups are soooper cute.
Wow. This is the most controversial topic yet.
I got a new puppy. So therefore I think you should get one.
Unless Kira really is allergic...Then no because that would make her sneeze and such.
You could always come play with mine.
Or I could bring it to visit?
Love,
Ashley
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