Thursday, September 23, 2010

p is for pets

Pets: Consider getting a pet. Their contribution to family life can be invaluable. They help to teach responsibility and empathy, two valuable human traits.


Every time we go grocery shopping we visit the pet shop. We 'ooh' and 'aah' at the puppies, the guinea pigs and the fish. Yes, even the fish.

Today there was even a free petting zoo at our local Centro. And Madison held everything.

Can you tell we don't have a pet?

And I'm not sure why because every member of our family - except one - wants a dog (okay, so Noah hasn't actually spelt it out because he can't talk just yet - but he would if he could).

The girls have put in their request for a Golden Retriver or a Labrador, I would like a Rhodesian Ridgeback and Madison would be happy for whatever he can get his hands on.

But we have the husband, the father, the spoil sport. Who gives us reasons why we can't have one.


"We don't have a front fence."

"A dog will eat all the vegies in our garden."

"I'm not home enough, and we can't just up and leave if we want to have a holiday."

"They cost too much money."

"They're like another child."

"They are so much responsibility."

"Are you going to walk it everyday?" (Okay. He's got me there.)

Damn him with his sensible answers.

Now if I could just find a good reason that's convincing enough. Like teaching the kids responsibility and empathy...

Do you have a pet/pets? Why/why not? C'mon, you know we need some more convincing here.

The A-Z of Parenting Tips were inspired by this article in the Courier Mail.

4 comments:

  1. I understand what you're saying. Mind one of your friend's pets while they go on hols and see how you go. We were considering getting guinea pigs but a few 'minds' later and we're definitely of a different mind!! x

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  2. He is VERY wise you know, that husband of yours! Pets are just work. We have had goldfish, and they died. We have budgies and they are LOUD and rather messy considering they are confined to a cage. We have a cat, but he has never been of the cuddly variety! But we have not had a dog since "Espresso" died. We learnt then just how expensive vet bills could be. How that dog I loved could ruin the wood of a back door by scratching it to get in. Not to mention the time spent training and maintaining!!! That husband of yours is wise, listen to the man and enjoy other peoples pets!!!!

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  3. They are hard work, but I love our dog. She takes us for a walk whenever we have time (it isn't everyday :( ) and although youngest DS is scared of her atm I am sure that will change with time.

    What about a goldfish to start with? or a rabbit..they are cuddly and a little easier to look after ;). If you have vegies would you consider getting chickens so that you have a pet that also provides a food source to your family? ;). (trying to help you with the convincing ;) ) .

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  4. I think I might start by petsitting and then see how we go. I really want chickens, but hubby has an egg intolerance... so I don't think we'd benefit from the eggs. Bunny rabbit could be chastised by the rough boys that live in this household, and sorry, but cats just don't do anything!

    Thanks for your thoughts girls. I'm going to see if there's a pet to sit for now!

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Thank you for your thoughtful and positive words and taking the time to comment. Love Kymmie. xx