I like my dogs better than you

Last night while I scraped the reminents of a southwestern print wallpaper border from my Father in laws bathroom, I chatted on the phone with a good friend.  She was telling me how her single friend wanted to get a dog.  I told her she should tell her not to do it.  What I should've said was "don't ever hang wallpaper borders in your house."

But in all seriousness, you shouldn't get a dog.  I tell people this all the time but no one will listen.  I have no children, a partner to help me, all the time in the world and still I am frazzled by these furry beings.  They are a lot of work.  If you like to go to happy hour after work,  relax on the couch when you get home, or you hate vacuuming.  Don't get a dog.

But just like a new Mom, I will tell you that the good out weighs the bad.  That when that furry body snuggles up to you on the couch and sighs in their sleep, your heart will melt.  That it is worth it to keep blankets on the couch at all times because they are there 100% of the time, and you are only visiting for a few hours.  I'm sorry to say, but I like my dogs better than you ;)

Yes they are crazy, it's their breed...and lack of training.  I didn't want a small lap dog.  I wanted an overweight designer dog and a rescue that wasn't too big.  Just like babies, you have no idea what their personalities will be, and just like boyfriends they can't tell you the details of their past.  No matter how many times I have to apologize to you that my dog farted, or took you out by the knees with her whip of a tail, I made a commitment to love and care for them.   

If you're ready to walk in the rain, lint roll your black outfit, or buy another $10 kong because someone buried the last one.  If you have unlimited patience and vomit on your throw rug doesn't phase you, then by all means...get a dog.  You won't regret it.

I really was just going to show you this video of my very smart dog that my Mom took.  She really does eat her vegetables, just not carrots.




Please remind me of all those nice things I said about them next time Charlie eats poop...


A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS
1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful

2 Give me time to understand what it is you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.