I’m picking poo off the ground. Clawing and grabbing at the grass. Wondering where it all went wrong.
“It’s such hard work”
“It’s unrelenting. “
“The barking gets worse. It took a year to break one of the bad habits.”
“Don’t do it. It’s like another child“
This advice from my so-called mates. AFTER we got the dog.
My wife and two boys have been desperate for a dog for years. I’ve been equally resistant.
I’m not a dog person. I grew up around them. But we never had one. I’m just not into it. I can’t see the appeal.
“Aaaw but they are so cute and cuddly….aaw just look at them…..great for the kids…..aawww….A friend for life……someone that will always be pleased to see you……they bring so much joy and pleasure to a family…aaaaawwwww…..aaaaaawww”
Nope. I’m cold. I've got enough going on. I don't need the extra hassle.
The dog conversation went on for years. I could not be swayed. I told them it was the dog or me. They discussed breeds.
“Dad I will do everything. Please Dad can we get a dog. I will walk it and clean up after it all the time. I promise Dad, I P-r-o-m-i-s-e. You won’t have to do a thing. Can we Dad, can we?”
“No. I know you don’t mean it, even if you don’t.”
But after many years and as the boys became more self-sufficient I started entertaining the idea. I had to get my head around the fact that I would be doing everything. To expect nothing. That way I wouldn’t be disappointed about the lack of help I was promised.