On pets
After writing my last post about Luki and his encounter with a puppy, I feel that I should admit something to you guys:
I don’t like dogs. Or cats. Or pets in general. Neither does Ton Ton.
I guess this is something we will reconsider if Luki grows up to love furry creatures and requests we share our home with an animal, but I’m really hoping it doesn’t have to come to that.
My aversion to pets probably has to do with growing up with a mom who believes animals are the root of all manner of deadly diseases. After all, you can’t disinfect a dog’s tongue with a Clorox wipe.
But listen you guys, if you are pet owners, I want you to know that I still love you. Really. I do. Let me tell you a little story to prove it:
(Setting — A housewarming party at my house, I am talking to a group of friends and family. Included is my brother in law. He has two dogs. The dogs “sign” my birthday cards and pose for professional family portraits with him and his wife. In matching sweaters.)
A friend who knows how I feel about animals: I think I’m going to get you a puppy for your new house.
Me: Ha ha ha! Yea. No way.
Brother in law: What? You don’t like dogs?
Me: No.
Brother in law: Oh. But you like my dogs, right?
Me: Honestly?
(At this point my younger, yet infinitely more mature, brother, who has been watching this exchange from a safe distance, turns around and walks as far away as he can. As if to say, “Just because I’m related to her, doesn’t mean I will be associated with her complete lack of filters!”)
No. I don’t like your dogs.
(I suddenly realize I basically just insulted what he considers to be his offspring. Quick, must find a way to pull my foot out of my mouth!)
But, um-ahem-cough-cough, I LOOVE HOW YOU LOVE YOUR DOGS!!
See? I told you. I still love all you pet owners out there. Especially the way you love your animals.
Just don’t bring them to my house.
So funny!
When I was still pregnant with Henry, we were so close to getting a puppy. We went to the humane society and walked a dog for a long time. Garrison really liked it but said, “Hmmm, I don’t really like the fact that it won’t come when you call it…” I told him that you have to spend (waste) a ton of time teaching a dog something like that and he said, “OH. Reallly?”
That’s when I decided it would be a looong time before we got a dog.
So much work. No thanks!
i am always surprised when people that i am good friends with DON’T like dogs…it’s like when you are about to take a sip of sweet tea, and you accidentally pick up your husband’s coca-cola instead…
SHOCKING!
but being (or not being) a ‘pet-person’ is a lot like political affiliation, religion, or sexual preference…no one is going to be able to talk anyone in, or out, or it!
i just wanted to speak up for the dog-people out there! having a dog, especially one that you’ve had since puppy-hood, is a lot like having a baby and then a child in your house…is it more work? ABSOLUTELY…but is it more FUN too, YES! and you know how you come home when your baby is with at his grandmother’s house or somewhere else, and it’s quiet and peaceful, but somehow, a little depressing? the energy is just different? that’s how it feels when my dogs are away…
so, there you have it, the other side of the coin…but i can relate to your post (a little)…b/c i don’t really care for cats, at all…yeah…even YOUR cat…sorry!
Smiles
At last! Someone who udnsertands! Thanks for posting!