As an experienced father I shouldn't have fallen for it. I knew it was a bad idea taking our children to visit some cute puppies. Soon afterward the lobbying began. Written promises that they would walk and pick up and feed. Soon after, we acquired our half-lab half-basset from the owners of the mother (typically, it was an absentee father).
I grew up with one, so I was already a "dog" kind of person. But I wasn't really aware of all the collateral expenses. Our young puppy quickly made hash of a dozen or so leashes until her bite-everything-that-moves-or-doesn't-move stage was over. We still have to regularly purchase special dietary rich dog food in 5000 ton bags, poop bags, crates (three), pillows (three), bones (5 million and counting) and allergy medicine and etc... Our kids are now off to college. When they left they left they remarked how much we would miss all the chores that they did around the house...like walking the dog. Only experienced parents can enjoy the kind of knowing laugh that comes from such observations.
Still, all things considered, our lives have been richer for having this big, smelly, messy dog around our house. If anything, dogs help remind you that life is ultimately beyond your control. By the way, you can't resist this doggish youtube video...
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