The poop alone. Between the litter box (which I change daily and scoop in between, because, though I am the house with three cats I refuse to be the house that smells like three cats) and the kids, "Mom! Can I get a butt check!" after each attempt at wiping themselves, I really don't need someone else to clean up after.
This longing for a dog does not make sense. It doesn't.
Yet I can't shake it.
Each night, as soon as we put the kids to bed, the cats want my attention. They get on my nerves all up in my face with their meows, "Pet me! Pet me! MRAAAAOOOWWWW!"
We do not need a dog.
Yet, I spend my time looking at puppies on www.petfinder.com, knowing we are not getting a dog. I add The Daily Puppy to my links, but it's crazy.
We do not need a dog. It just doesn't make sense.
And then I read A Friend Like Henry, and it made sense a little.
And then I got a comment from Georgia Peach, which made me research service dogs for kids with autism.
And then I called and talked with the director of this program.
And then I asked to be connected with other families who had adopted service dogs for their kids on the spectrum.
And then I got flooded with warm, positive e-mails from a lot of people who say their service dog was the best thing that ever happened to their kid.
And now I think about this longing I've been having, the one that makes no sense.
And I wonder if maybe, it does.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
14 comments:
Sigh. Should I tell you that I felt the exact same way and that this weekend we have to return our sweet dog because he turned out to be very neurotic and had health problems...and um, the position for neurotic family member is currently filled? Of course, I shouldn't. I also shouldn't tell Z how often I check out puppy ads. Happy, wriggly, drooly, poopy...wait, that position in our family is currently filled by bebe. Your family, on the other hand, may have an opening.
So sorry Naomi!
Love.
xo Michelle. Love ya!
Lots of very good ideas don't make sense.
Hello,
I have been checking out your site since the beautiful suit started its way around the states.
I enjoy your writing.
My opinion is unsolicited, but when it comes to dogs I am a huge believer.
Our youngest is 16 and has regressive Autism. When we first started down this path we already had a Golden Retriever cross and a Border Collie. That Border Collie trailed behind him as Nick circled the backyard for miles everyday. If Nick played on the patio spinning wheels on his trucks,she laid right behind him. They were best friends, no language required. When she passed at 13 it was the worst. Nick loves the dogs we have now and they love him but it is not the same. I think he doesn't need them as much as he needed the Border Collie.I can't do another Border Collie! They have way to much energy. But that energy was perfect when Nick was younger, Nick was her job and they calmed each other down.
Choose carefully,with the cats you need a calm breed.
Thank you for the link, Michelle. I had heard about these dogs for a long time and I am going to check it out myself. I have that puppy lust, too. Sometimes I think it's for me, though. But, so many people have asked if Libby has a dog (teachers and therapists). So...I'm interested in what you might create. I feel that the nagging feelings like that usually are not something to sweep under the litterbox... I mean carpet. :)
Is there a middle ground - as in not a puppy? As I'm sure you saw on petfinder - plenty of housebroken adults are out there ready for love (that's where I found mine when he was 3). What a joy to have this mellow, tame, housebroken and grateful animal join me and the kitties - I don't buy into the bonding from birth thing - love happens when it happens. He is now a full-on mama's boy. My childhood dog who was 7 when we inherited him - was one of the most bonded animals ever. Best of luck in your search...I mean decision ;)
I think it's time to start choosing names. You're so gonna get a dog, and really, all kidding aside, I think it's a great move. For. You. : )
Well Carrie,
The service dogs are all grown up(house broken and good manners) and already have names.
We'll see.
The poop, oh my the poop, picking it up, stepping in it... And the fur, it goes everywhere.
(Can you tell I took the boys to TWO Humane Societies just to LOOK at the puppies!)
Shedding and pooping....(Good Luck!)
Ahhh, dogs. Yes. I know. I was OBSESSED for some DAMN reason. Couldn't figure out why! and WHAT a FREAKING pain in the ass dogs are!! It is like having two more children. Who shed. And piss on the floor when you come in the door.
But. *sigh* A home needs a dog. I don't know WHY...Just does. And I think our dogs souls have a contract with us-- with me, for sure. To teach me not to be such a bitch, calm down...share my snacks. I know this is what the obession was about.
:)
Of course you need a dog you daft woman!! When did you EVER not listen to your mum radar??
Thanks K!
I sent in an application for a service dog for Riley. We'll see how it goes.
Post a Comment